Biography
Dona Onete, born Ionete da Silveira Gama on June 18, 1939 in Cachoeira do Arari, Pará, Brazil, is celebrated as the 'Queen of Carimbó.' Growing up in Igarapé-Miri, she was immersed in the musical traditions of the Amazon from a young age, singing sambas, quadrilles, and boi bumba by age fifteen. Her early career was rooted in education: she taught history and Amazonian studies for 25 years, researched local rhythms and dances, and was active in cultural preservation, founding music and dance groups and serving as Secretary of Culture in Igarapé-Miri[1][2][3][4][5].
Remarkably, Dona Onete only began her professional music career after retirement, recording her debut album 'Feitiço Caboclo' at age 73. She developed a unique hybrid genre known as 'carimbó chamegado,' blending traditional Amazonian rhythms with contemporary influences. Her music, rich in regional identity and poetic lyricism, quickly gained national and international recognition, leading to performances across Brazil, Europe, and the United States[1][3][4].
Beyond her musical achievements, Dona Onete is a respected activist and educator. She played a key role in founding the Sindicato dos Trabalhadores e Trabalhadoras em Educação Pública do Pará (SINTEPP) and was involved in the early days of the Central Única dos Trabalhadores (CUT). Her legacy encompasses not only her innovative contributions to Brazilian music but also her lifelong commitment to cultural and social advocacy[2][3][5].
Fun Facts
- Dona Onete only began her professional music career after age 60, recording her first album at 73[1][3][5].
- She is credited with inventing the genre 'carimbó chamegado,' a sensual, hybrid style blending carimbó with other regional rhythms[1][3][4].
- Before fame, she spent decades as a teacher and was deeply involved in labor activism and cultural preservation[2][3][5].
- Her lyrics often incorporate Amazonian folklore, indigenous traditions, and playful references to love and nature[4][8].
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Marajoara Cowboys - Local improvisational singers who inspired her poetic approach to songwriting. (Influence evident throughout her repertoire.) [Childhood and youth]
Key Collaborators
- Marco André - Produced her debut album and helped launch her recording career. (Feitiço Caboclo (2012)) [2012]
- Local Carimbó Bands - Performed and toured with regional musicians, helping to popularize carimbó chamegado. (Live performances and tours) [2000s–present]
Artists Influenced
- Young Amazonian Musicians - Inspired a new generation to embrace and modernize traditional Amazonian music. (Emerging artists in the carimbó and tecnobrega scenes) [2010s–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| AmarElo | 2019-10-30 | Album |
| Banzeiro | 2016-06-23 | Album |
| Cirandaia | 2025-10-17 | Album |
| Feitiço Caboclo | 2013-05-20 | Album |
| AmarElo | 2019-10-30 | Album |
| Rebujo | 2019-05-24 | Album |
| Prêmio Elo Feat dos Sonhos - 1ª Edição | 2025-06-17 | Album |
| Banzeiro | 2018-05-19 | Album |
| Latino Brega Love | 2025-04-17 | Album |
| Feitiço Caboclo | 2014-10-11 | Album |
| Bagaceira | 2024-06-18 | Album |
| Transpyra | 2019-03-29 | Album |
Top Tracks
- No Meio do Pitiú (Banzeiro)
- Eminência Parda (feat. Dona Onete, Jé Santiago & Papillon) (AmarElo)
- Jamburana (Feitiço Caboclo)
- Boto Namorador
- Banzeiro (Banzeiro)
- Faceira (Banzeiro)
- Quatro Contas
- Moreno Morenado (Feitiço Caboclo)
- Eu Te Amei (Amo!) (ft (pt. 1))
- No Meio do Pitiú (Banzeiro)
External Links
Tags: #carimbo, #carimbó
References
Heard on WWOZ
Dona Onete has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 15, 2025 | 14:07 | Lua Namoradeirafrom Feitoco Caboclo | Tudo Bem (Brazilian)w/ Dean Ellis |