Biography
Leo Cavalcanti, born in São Paulo in 1984, is a Brazilian singer, composer, multi-instrumentalist, and arranger. Raised in a musical family—his father is the renowned songwriter Péricles Cavalcanti—Leo was exposed to a rich tapestry of sounds from an early age, including flamenco, Michael Jackson, Jackson do Pandeiro, and the Beatles. By age 13, he was composing and performing, often joining his father on stage, and quickly developed his skills as a percussionist and songwriter.
His professional journey began as a percussionist with Palavra Cantada, a children's music group led by Paulo Tatit and Sandra Perez. At 16, Leo founded his first band, Xanduzinha, paying homage to Brazilian icons Jackson do Pandeiro and Luiz Gonzaga through performances in São Paulo's university forró circuit. His first recorded song, "Tudo Sendo Lindo," appeared on his father's 2004 album "Blues 55." Leo's solo career took off with performances at major cultural events such as Virada Cultural Paulista and SESC Pompeia's Prata da Casa. He won the top prize for best composer at the 2009 Festival da 3ª Semana da Canção Brasileira in São Luis do Paraitinga.
Leo Cavalcanti's discography includes the critically acclaimed albums "Religar" (2010) and "Despertador" (2014), which blend pop, rock, and Brazilian rhythms with introspective lyrics. His music is characterized by energetic Latin pop influences, soulful vocals, and a focus on themes of love, sorrow, and the human condition. Cavalcanti's innovative arrangements and genre-blending style have earned him recognition as a versatile and influential figure in contemporary Brazilian music.
Fun Facts
- Leo began composing and performing professionally at just 13 years old, often sharing the stage with his father.
- His first band, Xanduzinha, was a tribute to Brazilian legends Jackson do Pandeiro and Luiz Gonzaga.
- Leo directed and composed for the large-scale youth musical 'Pedrinho Brasilândia,' featuring 100 adolescent performers.
- He won first prize for best composer at the 2009 Festival da 3ª Semana da Canção Brasileira.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Péricles Cavalcanti - Leo's father and early musical guide; Leo performed in his father's shows and had his first song recorded by him. (Blues 55 (2004)) [Childhood through early career]
- Paulo Tatit & Sandra Perez - Leaders of Palavra Cantada, where Leo played percussion in his teens. (Palavra Cantada performances) [Late 1990s]
Key Collaborators
- Martin - Leo contributed vocals to Martin's song "Algum Lugar." (EP 'Quando Um Não Quer...' (2015)) [2015]
- Trupe Chá de Boldo - Collaborated on various music projects, showcasing Leo's versatility. (Live performances and recordings) [2010s]
- Tata Aeroplano - Worked together on musical projects blending pop and Brazilian rhythms. (Collaborative performances) [2010s]
Artists Influenced
- Castello Branco - Similar stylistic approach and cited as a comparable artist; likely influenced by Leo's genre-blending and lyrical depth. (Castello Branco's albums) [2010s]
- Dani Black - Part of the same São Paulo indie scene, sharing influences and collaborations. (Dani Black's albums) [2010s]
Connection Network
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Leo Cavalcanti has been played 4 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 22, 2025 | 08:46 | Vitamin Cfrom Ege Bamyasi | The Morning Setw/ Stuart Hall | |
| Dec 18, 2025 | 08:19 | Halleluhwahfrom Anthology | The Morning Setw/ Scott Borne | |
| Nov 8, 2025 | 14:18 | Frenesi de Otariofrom Religar | Tudo Bem (Brazilian)w/ Dean Ellis | |
| Sep 20, 2025 | 18:28 | Dizzy Dizzyfrom Soon Over Babaluma | Block Partyw/ Brice Nice |