Zizi Possi

Origin

São Paulo, SP

Also known as

Maria Izildinha Possi

Years Active

1978

Genres

MPB, bossa nova, classical, jazz, pop, samba

Instruments

vocals, piano

Biography

Born Maria Izildinha Possi in the Brás neighborhood of São Paulo, she was raised in a family of Italian immigrants from Naples. Possi received a formal education in classical music, studying piano and voice from the age of five. In 1973, she moved to Salvador, Bahia, with her brother José Possi Neto to study composition and conducting at the Federal University of Bahia (UFBA). During her time in Salvador, she worked as a music teacher for children in Pelourinho and recorded commercial jingles before moving to Rio de Janeiro to pursue a professional career.

Her breakthrough occurred in 1978 when producer Roberto Menescal discovered her in Rio. Her debut album, 'Flor do Mal', was followed by the massive hit 'Pedaço de Mim,' a duet with Chico Buarque. During the 1980s, she achieved significant commercial success with pop-oriented tracks like 'Asa Morena' and 'Perigo,' the latter becoming a national staple through television soundtracks. This era was also defined by her participation in major artistic projects like 'O Grande Circo Místico,' featuring the work of Chico Buarque and Edu Lobo.

In the 1990s, Possi transitioned toward a more sophisticated, acoustic sound with the critically acclaimed album 'Sobre Todas as Coisas,' winning several awards for its minimalist arrangements. She later explored her Italian heritage with the album 'Per Amore' (1997), which became one of the best-selling records of her career and solidified her reputation for technical vocal precision. Throughout her journey, she has collaborated with legendary Brazilian figures such as Gilberto Gil and Ivan Lins, and she continues to perform, often alongside her daughter, Luiza Possi.

Discography

• Flor Do Mal (1978)
• Pedaço de Mim (1979)
• Zizi Possi (1980)
• Um Minuto Além (1981)
• Asa Morena (1982)
• Pra Sempre e Mais um Dia (1983)
• Toda uma História (1983)
• Dê um Rolê (1984)
• Caetano Veloso, Zizi Possi – Disco Mix Dose Dupla (1985)
• Zizi (1986)
• Amor & Música (1987)
• Estrebucha Baby (1989)
• Não Me Deixe Mal (1989)
• Sobre Todas As Coisas (1991)
• Valsa Brasileira (1993)
• Mais Simples (1996)
• Per Amore (1997)
• Passione (1998)
• João Bosco, Gilberto Gil, os Novos Baianos, Timbalada, Netinho, Banda Cheiro do Amor, Banda Eva, Elis Regina, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Marina Lima, Zizi Possi, Gal Costa, Maria Bethânia – Colors Brazil - Masters Of The Brazilian Music (1998)
• Puro Prazer (1999)
• Bossa (2001)
• Para Inglês Ver... e Ouvir (2005)
• Tudo Se Transformou (2014)
• Arrigo Barnabé, Zizi Possi, Adélia Issa – Oriundi - O Verdadeiro Amor é Eterno