Leo Cavalcanti

Leo Cavalcanti, born in São Paulo on March 29, 1984, is a Brazilian singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and arranger known for his eclectic and innovative approach to music. Growing up surrounded by diverse musical influences such as flamenco, Michael Jackson, and Jackson do Pandeiro, he began composing songs and playing pandeiro at the age of 13. His early exposure to music came through performing with his father, Péricles Cavalcanti, and playing percussion with the children's music group Palavra Cantada. By 16, Leo Cavalcanti formed his first band, Xanduzinha, paying homage to forró legends Jackson do Pandeiro and Luiz Gonzaga, which became a hit in São Paulo’s “university forró” circuit. In 2004, he had his first song, “Tudo Sendo Lindo,” recorded by his father, and soon after, he began performing as a solo artist. His debut solo album Religar was released in 2010, showcasing his talent for blending genres and exploring introspective themes. He followed up with his second album, Despertador, in 2014, further establishing his reputation for crafting innovative sounds. Leo Cavalcanti's collaborations, including his work with Martin Mendonça on "Algum Lugar" in 2015, highlight his versatility and continued evolution as an artist in Brazil's music scene. After some time away from the spotlight, he returned with his 2024 third full-length CANÇÕES EM CHAMAS, which featured Caetano Veloso on the track "NÓS NUS."