Zico e Zeca

Origin

Itajobi, SP

Also known as

Zico Zeca

Years active

1947–2013

Genres

sertanejo, música caipira, música sertaneja de raiz

Instruments

viola

Biography

The sertanejo duo Zico e Zeca, formed by brothers Antônio Bernardo da Costa (Zico) and Domingos Paulino da Costa (Zeca), is a landmark in the history of Brazilian caipira music. Born in Itajobi, in the interior of São Paulo state, they grew up in a family environment deeply connected to music, being brothers of another iconic duo, Liu and Léu, and cousins of Vieira and Vieirinha. This musical heritage shaped the duo's talent, who began their artistic journey in childhood, performing in circuses, festivals, and church fairs.

Their professional career gained momentum in 1947, with their first performances on Rádio Novo Horizonte in Itajobi. In 1952, they moved to São Paulo, where they received support from Serrinha and soon after participated in the radio show "Serra da Mantiqueira". The name "Zico e Zeca" was chosen through a popular contest, and the duo quickly gained ground, signing a contract with the Columbia record label in 1954. They earned the nickname "The Violeiros Who Carry the Soul of the Sertão in Their Voices", consolidating their authentic style true to the roots of caipira music.

Throughout a career spanning over 50 years, Zico e Zeca released countless hits that became classics of traditional sertanejo, such as "Dona Jandira", "A Caneta e a Enxada", "Pracinha", and "Dona Felicidade". Their work crossed generations, remaining alive in the memory of admirers of the genre. Zico passed away in 2007, and Zeca in 2013, but the duo's legacy remains an important pillar of Brazilian popular culture.