Zizinha Bessa

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Years Active

1929–1995

Genres

samba-song, Brazilian popular music

Instruments

piano

Biography

Zizinha Bessa was a Brazilian singer, pianist, and composer who stood out in the second half of the 1920s. A graduate of the National School of Music of UFRJ, she joined the Villa-Lobos Choir, demonstrating her talent and dedication to music from an early age.

Her career as a composer gained prominence in 1929 with the melody of the samba-song "Medroso amor", with lyrics by Jesy Barbosa, which was recorded by the singer herself with accompaniment by Choro Victor. This recording had its importance recognized years later, being reissued in 1995 by the Revivendo label in the series "Música brasileira – Vol. 6". Zizinha Bessa also had other compositions recorded, such as "Coração, Fecha os Ouvidos" in partnership with Oswaldo Orico, and "Cantiga Ingênua" and "Baiana".

Affiliated with the Brazilian Society of Theatre Authors (SBAT), Zizinha Bessa contributed to the rich tapestry of Brazilian popular music. Her work, although not extensive, marked an era and served as the basis for recordings by other artists, such as Sílvio Caldas and Trio T. B. T., solidifying her name in the musical scene of the time.