Music of a wonderful world

Recommended Brazilian artists: Popular international singers and singer-songwriters

Former vocal coach specializing in Western musicRyo
Under the theme of “vocal skills that stand up on the world stage,” I have experience teaching as an online vocal coach specializing in Western music, and I usually listen to genres like nuevo flamenco, bolero, canzone, and R&B. In my teens, I questioned the idea that “foreign music equals English,” and started exploring songs from around the world. My commentary is characterized by a unique perspective shaped by listening to music of every genre, in every language, from every country. I mainly cover world music, so be sure to check it out!

This might be sudden, but when you hear “Brazilian music,” what kind of songs come to mind?

I imagine many of you think of bossa nova or samba, right?

Those genres are certainly popular in Brazil, but in fact, reggaeton-style tracks are also hugely popular.

And not just any reggaeton—they often incorporate elements of samba.

What’s more, Black music like R&B and slow jams has evolved in its own unique way there, so be sure to read to the end!

Recommended artists from Brazil: Popular international singers and singer-songwriters (61–70)

Brigas nunca maisJoão Gilberto

Brigas, Nunca Mais

Brigas nunca maisJoão Gilberto

He is one of the figures who established bossa nova together with Antônio Carlos Jobim and is called the “God of Bossa Nova.” He also created a new playing style called batida, which expresses samba rhythms using only the guitar.

In 1965, he was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Male Vocal Performance.

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ExtraVANESSA MORENO & FI MAROSTICA

Vanessa Moreno e Fi Maróstica – Extra (Gilberto Gil)

ExtraVANESSA MORENO & FI MAROSTICA

A unit featuring a female vocalist and a male bassist.

Vanessa’s clear, translucent voice is soothing, and while the music is influenced by bossa nova, it evolves by incorporating elements from other genres.

Since it’s an arrangement of traditional bossa nova, it feels approachable and easy to listen to.

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In conclusion

This time, I introduced Brazilian artists mainly from genres like reggaeton, R&B, slow jams, and hip-hop, and what stood out was that none of them followed the most mainstream path—each had a solid foundation in Brazil’s traditional music.

On Ragu Music, we also feature music from lesser-known countries in other articles, so be sure to check those out too!