Nei Lopes

Nei Lopes is a Brazilian samba composer, singer, writer, and historian, recognized for his contributions to Afro-Brazilian culture and music. Born in 1942 in Irajá, a neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro, he initially trained as a lawyer but shifted his focus to music and literature in the early 1970s. Lopes gained prominence through his partnership with Wilson Moreira, producing notable works like "Senhora Liberdade," which became associated with Brazil's Diretas Já movement. His musical style encompasses various samba forms, including partido-alto and samba de breque, and he has collaborated with artists such as Guinga, Zé Renato, and Chico Buarque. Beyond music, Lopes is a prolific author, having published over 40 books on Afro-Brazilian history and culture, including the "Dicionário da História Social do Samba" and the "Enciclopédia Brasileira da Diáspora Africana." His work emphasizes the African roots of Brazilian music and challenges the marginalization of Afro-Brazilian contributions to national culture. Lopes's extensive career bridges artistic expression and scholarly research, solidifying his role as a key figure in preserving and promoting Afro-Brazilian heritage.

b.: May 9, 1942 - Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil