Mestra Rosalia & Cia Cabelo de Maria

Biography

Mestra Rosália is a revered figure in Brazilian folk music, born and raised in the rural community of Vila Fernandes, Arapiraca, Alagoas. Approaching her 80th birthday, she released her debut album, marking a significant milestone after decades of preserving and performing traditional music. Her early life was shaped by hard agricultural work and deep immersion in the musical traditions of her region, learning countless songs during communal activities such as tobacco harvests, house-building mutirões, and local serenades. She also absorbed influences from traveling groups like Guerreiros, Reisados, and Baianás, which enriched her musical repertoire.

Rosália's artistry is distinguished by her powerful voice and her role as a guardian of intangible cultural heritage. Her music, accompanied by Cia Cabelo de Maria, showcases a wide array of traditions: work songs, coco de roda from Alagoas, aboio (cattle calling), terreiro chants, ciranda, and original samba compositions. The album 'A Luz que me Alumeia' reflects the breadth of her experience and her commitment to sharing the musical legacy of her homeland. Her recognition as a popular singer and master was catalyzed in the late 1990s when music researcher Renata Mattar discovered her during fieldwork, leading to national performances and the eventual production of her album with Gustavo Finkler and the ensemble Cia Cabelo de Maria.

Mestra Rosália's legacy lies in her dedication to preserving and revitalizing rural musical traditions, ensuring that the voices and stories of her community are celebrated and remembered. Her work is now regarded as an important part of Brazil's intangible cultural heritage, inspiring new generations to value and continue these traditions.

Fun Facts

• Mestra Rosália released her first album close to her 80th birthday, after decades of informal performance.
• She learned many songs while working in tobacco fields and at communal rural gatherings.
• Her repertoire includes rare forms like coco de roda alagoano and aboio de roça, which are seldom recorded.
• She was discovered by a musicologist conducting field research, leading to her national recognition.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Local elders and traveling folk groups (Guerreiros, Reisados, Baianás) - Rosália learned songs and musical traditions from elders and folk groups passing through her village. (Traditional cantigas, coco de roda, ciranda) [Childhood through adulthood]

Key Collaborators

• Renata Mattar - Musicologist and singer who discovered Rosália, produced her album, and brought her to national attention. (A Luz que me Alumeia (album), live performances) [Late 1990s–present]
• Gustavo Finkler - Musician and producer, partner in Cia Cabelo de Maria, co-produced Rosália's album. (A Luz que me Alumeia (album)) [2020s]
• Cia Cabelo de Maria - Musical ensemble accompanying Rosália, helping arrange and perform her repertoire. (A Luz que me Alumeia (album), concerts) [2020s]

Artists Influenced

• Younger folk musicians in Alagoas and Brazil - Rosália's preservation and performance of traditional music has inspired new artists to study and perform regional genres. (Local folk music projects, community performances) [2000s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. BESO
2. New Woman (feat. ROSALÍA)
3. LA NOCHE DE ANOCHE (EL ÚLTIMO TOUR DEL MUNDO)
4. DESPECHÁ (MOTOMAMI +)
5. New Woman (feat. ROSALÍA) (Alter Ego)
6. LA FAMA (MOTOMAMI)
7. DESPECHÁ
8. Antes de Morirme - feat. ROSALÍA
9. Con Altura
10. Besos Moja2 (La Última Misión)

External Links

• Spotify