National Geographic Music (National Geographic)

"Samba is our truth, our peculiarity, our golden medal, our faith, our flag" are the words of modern samba's premiere exponent Seu Jorge. Born in 1970 in Baixada Fluminense in the state of Rio, singer and actor Seu Jorge has emerged as one of Brazil's new creative forces, and has appeared in such critically-acclaimed films as City of God. His eclectic blend of Brazilian samba with funk, rap and other modern sounds has placed him as one of Brazil's rising stars, and his acting resume includes numerous plays and films, informing his once troubled life with the richness and creativity of the stage.

As a child, Seu Jorge (born Jorge Mário da Silva) was exposed to the vibrant samba music scene in Rio, but tragedy struck as he began his career playing in local nightclubs: his brother was murdered and his family fell apart, pushing Jorge onto the streets. For three years he wandered aimlessly, immersing himself in the dark world of drug addiction and despair until a fateful meeting changed his life. After seeing him perform at a local club, renowned clarinetist Paulo Moura invited Jorge to a theatrical audition for the Rio de Janeiro State University Theater Company, with whom he would go on to appear in over twenty productions. His theatrical experience included the study of set design and music production, and as he developed his musical skills on clarinet and guitar, he began to explore the possibilities of fusing his native samba with funk and soul.

His 1998 release Moro no Brasil as well as subsequent recordings and videos (which he produced himself) have caught the attention of national and international audiences. Jorge's work with the innovative group Planet Hemp included several appearances on records as well as international tours of the U.S. and Japan. In 2001 Jorge collaborated with Mário Caldato on his first solo release entitled Samba Esporte Fino, which explored the influences of such artists as Gilberto Gil and Milton Nascimento, and his critically-acclaimed 2005 recording Cru (Raw) is credited with launching the newest sound in pop samba. Jorge also produced the music for several film soundtracks, including The Life Aquatic -- where he recast David Bowie glam-rock classics as melancholy sambas, sung in Portuguese -- and now in his thirties has become the new sensation in popular Brazilian music. -- Rebeca Mauleon