Vanessa da Mata

Vanessa da Mata, born Vanessa Sigiane da Mata Ferreira in Alto Garças, Mato Grosso, on February 10, 1976, is a Brazilian singer-songwriter whose career began in the early 1990s. After moving to São Paulo at 16, she performed with the reggae band Shalla-Ball and toured with Black Uhuru as a backing vocalist. She gained recognition as a songwriter, penning tracks like "A Força que Nunca Seca" for Maria Bethânia and "Viagem" for Daniela Mercury. Her self-titled debut album in 2002 featured the hit "Não Me Deixe Só." The 2004 album Essa Boneca Tem Manual included "Ai, Ai, Ai," which became a national sensation. In 2007, Sim showcased her versatility, with "Boa Sorte/Good Luck," a duet with Ben Harper, topping charts in Brazil and Portugal. The album earned her a Latin Grammy for Best Contemporary Brazilian Pop Album. She continued her success with Bicicletas, Bolos e Outras Alegrias (2010) and a tribute album Vanessa da Mata canta Tom Jobim (2013). Her 2014 release Segue o Som was nominated for a Latin Grammy. In 2019, she released Quando Deixamos Nossos Beijos na Esquina. Her eighth album, Vem Doce (2023), featured collaborations with João Gomes and L7nnon and was nominated for Best MPB Album at the Latin Grammys. She followed up in 2025 with Todas Elas, which included contributions from Jota.pê, Robert Glasper, and João Gomes.