Zélia Fonseca

Origin

Itaúna, MG

Genres

MPB, samba, bossa nova, latin jazz, pop

Instruments

vocals, guitar

Biography

Zélia Fonseca was a prominent Brazilian singer, songwriter, and guitarist born in Itaúna, Minas Gerais. Before embarking on her solo path, she famously formed a duo with Rosanna Tavares, with whom she collaborated for many years after first meeting in a school band. Her musical journey eventually took her abroad, leading her to reside in Germany for decades while performing across Europe, Canada, and Asia, often blending Brazilian sounds with jazz, pop, and indigenous influences.

Throughout her career, Zélia shared stages and collaborated with renowned Brazilian artists such as Djavan, Chico Science, Lenine, Elba Ramalho, Sivuca, and Daniela Mercury. Following the passing of her longtime musical partner Rosanna Tavares in 2006, Zélia continued her artistic trajectory as a solo act, releasing acclaimed albums like Ímpar and O terceiro olho da abelha, alongside various international collaborations.

Discography

• Impar (2010)
• O Terceiro Olho da Abelha (2016)
• Magdalena Matthey & Zelia Fonseca – Uni Versos (2019)