“Notícias do Brasil” is an invitation to relive memories, discover new sounds and feel the universality that unites two sister nations through music.
The project is a celebration of identity, a bridge of affection and a unique opportunity to experience the best of art from two continents. The premiere of the series takes place on January 23rd, when Brazilian singer and composer Zé Renato, one of the most emblematic and sophisticated voices of MPB, will welcome António Zambujo, a big name in Portuguese music, who needs no elaborate introductions.
Zé Renato, who lives on the Rio-Lisbon bridge, is a member of the iconic vocal group Boca Livre, is a musical partner of names like Milton Nascimento, Lenine and Joyce, and has participated in recordings and special projects alongside maestro Tom Jobim. Zé Renato is about to complete 50 years of career.
Zé and Zambujo are also long-time friends and musical partners:
“The first time I sang with António Zambujo was in 2008 when at the time I participated in his album “Outro Sentido”, since then we shared the stage in shows in Brazil and here in Portugal. For me, meeting him again on the stage of Teatro Carlos Paredes will be another opportunity to sing alongside one of the voices I most admire. An interpreter who has extensive knowledge of the Brazilian songbook with references that are very similar to mine”, comments Zé Renato.
The public will watch a show full of emotion and artistic complicity, where cultural borders cross and timeless MPB themes are reinterpreted, intertwining them with the lyricism and depth of Portuguese music. The artists will perform classics by some composers that they both greatly admire, such as Chico Buarque, Milton Nascimento and Tom Jobim, as well as the song “Se Você Sabe”, by Georges Moran and Cristóvão de Alencar, recorded by Zé Renato on the album Outro Sentido, by Antonio Zambujo. Also part of the setlist is “I Can’t Stop Loving You” written by Don Gibson, among other songs.
According to curator Nei Barbosa, “the Notícias do Brasil series aims to present shows by Brazilian artists who live in Portugal, always with special appearances by other artists, Portuguese or Brazilian, who have similar works and musical partnerships. It will be a versatile and intimate program, with solo performances, or artists accompanied by a small band, and showing the essence of their songs.”
The project’s promoter is the Benfica Parish Council, and in 2025, there will be 5 dates dedicated to the project in January, March, September, October and November, always at 9:30 pm, in the Carlos Paredes Auditorium.
Meanwhile, the next attraction has already been confirmed: on March 27th, French-Venezuelan guitarist Elodie Bouny, Brazilian singer Nani Medeiros, and Argentine maestro Martin Sued, who plays bandoneón and conducts the Assintomática Orchestra, will take the stage.
ABOUT ZÉ RENATO
He began his artistic career participating in student festivals in the 70s. In 1978, he formed the vocal group Boca Livre with Cláudio Nucci, David Tygel and Maurício Maestro. The group has recorded more than ten albums with records released around the world, including the most recent “Pasieros”, released in 2022, alongside renowned Panamanian artist Rubén Blades, who was awarded at the 65th Grammy Awards in 2023 in the category of “Best Latin Pop Album”.
Parallel to his work with Boca Livre, Zé Renato launched himself as a solo artist in 1982, standing out on his albums as an interpreter, musician and composer. Children’s albums are also on his list of projects, including the CD “Forró Pras Crianças” which received awards in Brazil and was nominated for a Latin Grammy/2007 in the Best Children’s Album category.
In 1985, he was invited by Tom Jobim to perform songs on the soundtrack of “O Tempo e o Vento”, a miniseries on TV Globo, recording the maestro’s songs. It is important to mention that Tom Jobim participated, a few years later, on a Zé Renato album, “Pegadas” (1990).
Milton Nascimento, a great influence on Zé Renato’s work, became his partner on two songs: “Anima”, which gave its name to the album released in 1982 by Milton, and “ Ponto de Encontro”, recorded by Milton on his album “O Planeta Blue na Estrada do Sol”, from 1991. In 1988, Zé Renato joined Al di Meola’s band, participating in the recording of the American guitarist’s LP “Tiramisu”, with who toured the United States and Europe.
About to complete 50 years of career and more than twenty solo albums recorded, not counting special projects, Zé Renato has been building his name while maintaining the tradition of Brazilian music, always open to new things. The list of performers of his songs includes artists such as Zizi Possi, Leila Pinheiro, Milton Nascimento, Lulu Santos, Joyce Moreno, Jon Anderson (from the band Yes), Nana Caymmi, MPB-4 and Boca Livre, among others.
ABOUT ANTÓNIO ZAMBUJO
António Zambujo is one of the greatest representatives of Portuguese music, language and culture today at a national and international level, having been on a continuous tour within and outside the country for several years now.
His path, which began by being traced distinctly between Fado and Alentejo cante, constantly refuses to be tied to genres and musical schools. He unequivocally assumed the influence of Brazilian music when he released an album in honour of Chico Buarque in 2016 – Until Pensei que Fosse Minha – which even earned him a nomination for the 2017 Latin Grammy. More recently he has also been performing in shows in the company of the famous Brazilian guitarist and composer Yamandu Costa.
In 2023, he released his tenth studio album – Cidade – entirely composed and written by Miguel Araújo. This album includes the singles Dancemos Um Slow and Leva-me de Mim, among ten other new songs that were revealed one by one on the platforms. This album reflects the troubled loneliness characteristic of cities and fulfils Miguel Araújo’s desire to see an entire album of his being performed by his favourite singer, in his own words.
The presentations will always be at 9:30 pm, at the Carlos Paredes Auditorium, in Benfica. Tickets for the first show are now on sale at Ticketline.
Always confirm with the concert hall or promoter the conditions of access, confirmation of the date or time, ticket place of sale, price, and availability.
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