Clementina De Jesus

Clementina de Jesus was a beloved Brazilian samba singer known for her deep, powerful voice and authentic connection to traditional Afro-Brazilian music. Born in 1901 in Rio de Janeiro, she worked as a housemaid for decades before being discovered in the 1960s, launching her professional music career in her 60s. Clementina became a symbol of resilience and cultural preservation, celebrated for bringing the sounds of rural Afro-Brazilian folk songs and old slave chants to a broader audience.

Her unique vocal style—raw, emotional, and deeply rooted in African heritage—made her a standout figure in Brazilian music. She collaborated with key samba artists like Paulinho da Viola and João Bosco, and her recordings, including the iconic "O Canto dos Escravos," are cherished treasures of Brazil's musical history. Clementina's legacy continues to inspire samba lovers and historians alike, reminding the world of the enduring power of tradition and the richness of Brazil’s cultural roots.