Zé Luiz do Império

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Also known as

José Luiz Costa Ferreira

Years active

1970

Genres

samba, samba de raiz, mpb

Instruments

voice

Biography

José Luiz Costa Ferreira, known by his stage name Zé Luiz do Império, is a prominent Brazilian samba singer and songwriter born on July 10, 1944, in Rio de Janeiro. He is recognized as a key figure in the samba de raiz movement, which revitalized the genre in the 1970s. Zé Luiz was instrumental in founding the "Pagode da Resistência," one of the earliest samba circles that contributed to this revival.

His career is marked by significant contributions as a composer, with notable songs like "Tempo Ê" and "Malandros Maneiros" (co-written with Nei Lopes), which have been successfully performed by artists such as Roberto Ribeiro and Alcione. Zé Luiz has also been actively involved with the samba school Império Serrano, serving as a composer and president of its "Velha Guarda" (Old Guard). His work often reflects a refined humor and elaborate lyrics, cementing his reputation as a respected artist in Brazilian popular music.

Beyond his musical achievements, Zé Luiz do Império is also known for his activism in defending Brazilian culture. He has released several solo albums, including "Malandros Maneiros" (2008) and "Zé Luiz do Império" (2005), and has collaborated with numerous esteemed musicians, including Nelson Rufino, Nei Lopes, and Zeca Pagodinho, who recorded his composition "Inocente Fui Eu."