Vanessa da mata
By Charlotte Stace
Latin Grammy-winning Brazilian singer-songwriter Vanessa da Mata is renowned for her blend of Música Popular Brasileira (MPB), samba, pop, reggae and R&B. Hailing from Alto Garças in Mato Grosso, she began her career in the early 2000s, drawing inspiration from Brazilian legends like Luiz Gonzaga, Tom Jobim and Clara Nunes.
Her breakout came with the 2007 album Sim, featuring the hit "Boa Sorte/Good Luck," a duet with Ben Harper that topped charts in Brazil and Portugal. Her 2013 tribute album, Vanessa da Mata canta Tom Jobim, pays homage to the bossa nova maestro, reflecting her deep-rooted appreciation for Brazilian musical heritage. In 2014, she released Segue o Som, a record that blends traditional rhythms with modern pop sensibilities, featuring tracks like "Sunshine On My Shoulders," a reimagining of John Denver's classic.
Now, she’s back with her latest record, Vem Doce (2023). Don’t miss her performing it live in Barcelona this week.