Jovelina Perola Negra

Biography

Jovelina Pérola Negra, born Jovelina Farias Belfort on July 21, 1944, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, was a renowned samba singer and songwriter. She grew up in the Belford Roxo neighborhood and spent her early years singing and dancing samba. Until her forties, Pérola Negra worked as a housemaid while participating in community samba parties (pagodes) and as a member of the Império Serrano samba school. Her career took off in the 1980s with the new pagode movement, where she was discovered by a local producer at a pagode. She recorded her first album, 'Raça Brasileira,' in 1985 alongside other emerging artists like Zeca Pagodinho. Pérola Negra's deep, swinging voice and improvisational skills made her a standout in the partido alto samba style, earning her the nickname 'mãe do pagode' (mother of pagode). She released several successful albums, earning a platinum certificate, and performed internationally before her untimely death on November 2, 1998, at age 54. Her legacy continues to influence contemporary samba artists. Pérola Negra's life story is a testament to perseverance and talent, as she rose from humble beginnings to become one of Brazil's samba icons. Her music remains celebrated for its powerful expression and connection to the roots of Brazilian culture.

Fun Facts

• Jovelina Pérola Negra was nicknamed 'Black Pearl' due to her radiant complexion and elegant voice.
• She worked as a housemaid until her forties before achieving success in music.
• Pérola Negra performed internationally in countries like Angola, France, and Japan.
• She was a member of the Império Serrano samba school and participated in Carnaval as a baiana.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Clementina de Jesus - stylistic influence (None specified) [Throughout her career]

Key Collaborators

• Zeca Pagodinho - Collaboration on 'Bagaço da Laranja' (Bagaço da Laranja) [1980s]

Artists Influenced

• Seu Jorge - Niece of Jovelina Pérola Negra, influenced by her legacy (None specified) [Throughout his career]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Bagaço Da Laranja - Ao Vivo (A Arte De Zeca Pagodinho)
2. Sorriso Aberto (Sorriso Aberto)
3. Luz do Repente (Luz do Repente)
4. No Mesmo Manto (Sangue Bom)
5. Menina Você Bebeu (Jovelina Pérola Negra)
6. Feirinha da Pavuna (Confusão de Legumes) (Raça Brasileira)
7. Santo Forte (Amigos Chegados)
8. Catatau (Sangue Bom)
9. Sonho Juvenil (Garoto Zona Sul) (Luz do Repente)
10. Sorriso de Banjo (Vou Na Fé)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia