Who is Zélia Duncan?

Zélia Maria Duncan is a Brazilian singer, songwriter and actress from Rio de Janeiro. She has been active in show business since the 1980s. She was a member of the band A Tribo from 1984 to 1986 and has released several solo albums throughout her career. Her albums have received multiple awards for their unique blend of samba, bossa nova and rock.

Early Career

Duncan began her career as a singer in 1984 when she joined the band A Tribo. Her debut album “A Tribo” was released in 1985 and was nominated for the Prêmio Sharp Award for Best New Artist. She left the band in 1986 to pursue a solo career. In 1988, she released her debut solo album “Zélia” which featured the hit single “Esperando o Sol”. The album was a success and was certified gold by ABPD (Brazilian Association of Record Producers). She followed up with the album “O Que Anda Por Aí” in 1989 which received a platinum certification.

Music & Film Career

In 1990, Duncan released her third studio album “Pra Ser Feliz” which featured the hit single “Cantando Estação”. The album was certified platinum by ABPD and was nominated for a Latin Grammy Award for Best Brazilian Contemporary Pop Album. She followed up with the album “Tudo Bem” in 1992 which was certified gold by ABPD. In 1995, she released her fifth studio album “Herança” which featured the hit single “A Vida É Bela”. The album was certified gold by ABPD and was nominated for a Latin Grammy Award for Best Brazilian Contemporary Pop Album. Aside from her music career, Duncan has also acted in several films including “Beira-Mar” (1996) and “Vai Que Cola” (2004).

Collaborations

Throughout her career, Duncan has collaborated with other artists such as Céu, Milton Nascimento, Erasmo Carlos, Elba Ramalho and Marisa Monte. In 2007, she released the collaborative album “Duncan/Nascimento/Carlos” with Milton Nascimento and Erasmo Carlos which received a Latin Grammy Award nomination for Best Brazilian Contemporary Pop Album. In 2019, she released the collaborative album “Festa de Roda” with Marisa Monte which received a Latin Grammy Award nomination for Best Samba/Pagode Album.

Legacy

Duncan's music has been praised by critics for its unique blend of samba, bossa nova and rock influences. She has won numerous awards throughout her career including five Prêmio Sharp Awards and two Latin Grammy Award nominations. Her albums have been certified gold or platinum by ABPD and she is widely considered one of Brazil's most influential singers of all time.