Zeca Pagodinho

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Also known as

Jessé Gomes da Silva Filho

Years Active

1983

Genres

samba, pagode, partido-alto

Instruments

voice

Biography

Born Jessé Gomes da Silva Filho in the neighborhood of Irajá, Rio de Janeiro, Zeca Pagodinho is one of the most emblematic and beloved figures in Brazilian popular music. His journey began in the samba circles of the Rio suburbs, frequenting historical strongholds such as Cacique de Ramos. Before fame, Zeca held various humble jobs, such as an office boy and a numbers game (jogo do bicho) spotter, experiences that shaped his artistic identity marked by everyday chronicles and romantic, good-humored street smarts.

Professional recognition had a turning point in 1983, when his musical godmother, Beth Carvalho, recorded the composition "Camarão que dorme a onda leva", written by Zeca in partnership with Arlindo Cruz and Beto Sem Braço. Shortly after, he joined the collective "Raça Brasileira", which revealed a new generation of samba musicians. Over four decades of a solo career, Zeca has scored dozens of hits, such as "Deixa a Vida Me Levar" and "Maneiras", becoming a national consensus who moves naturally between traditional samba and pop stardom.

In addition to his facet as an interpreter and improviser of partido-alto, Zeca is recognized for his deep connection to the district of Xerém, in Duque de Caxias, where he maintains social and musical projects. A devotee of Saint George and Saints Cosmas and Damian, the artist is an exponent of Brazilian religious syncretism, a recurring theme in his works. With an extensive discography that includes acclaimed projects such as "Acústico MTV" and "O Quintal do Pagodinho", Zeca continues to be a vital reference for the genre, uniting generations of samba artists and admirers.

Discography

• Zeca Pagodinho (1986)
• Patota de Cosme (1987)
• Jeito Moleque (1988)
• Boêmio Feliz (1989)
• Mania da Gente (1990)
• Pixote (1991)
• Um dos Poetas do Samba (1992)
• Alô, Mundo! (1993)
• Samba pras Moças (1995)
• Deixa Clarear (1996)
• Hoje É Dia de Festa (1997)
• Zeca Pagodinho (1998)
• Ao Vivo (1999)
• Água da Minha Sede (2000)
• Deixa A Vida Me Levar (2002)
• Acústico MTV (2003)
• Acústico - Zeca Pagodinho (2003)
• Dois no Samba - Dudu Nobre e Zeca Pagodinho (2004)
• À Vera (2005)
• Acústico MTV 2 - Gafieira (2006)
• Uma Prova de Amor (2008)
• Uma Prova de Amor (Ao Vivo) (2009)
• Vida da Minha Vida (2010)
• O Quintal do Pagodinho (Ao Vivo) (2012)
• Multishow Ao Vivo: 30 Anos, Vida que Segue (2013)
• Sambabook Zeca Pagodinho, Vol. 2 (2014)
• Sambabook Zeca Pagodinho (2014)
• Ser Humano (2015)
• Maria Bethânia e Zeca Pagodinho – De Santo Amaro a Xerém (2018)
• Mais Feliz (2019)
• 40 Anos Ao Vivo (2025)