Singer-songwriter Maria do Céu Whitaker Poças, better known as Ceu, was born April 17, 1980, in São Paulo, Brazil. She has a beautiful, elegant voice.
Ceu has a flutelike voice. She combines the Afro-Brazilian tradition and modern urban sounds.
Céu released her critically acclaimed self-titled debut album in 2005. This was followed by a 4-song EP titled Cangote in May of 2009. Next came the full-length album Vagarosa. Vagarosa means “slow, easygoing, and leisurely.” The album, included Rodrigo Campos on cavaquinho; members of Los Sebozos Postizos made an appearance on “Rosa Menina Rosa”; Curumin played drums on “Cordão da Insônia”; Luiz Melodia provided guest vocals on “Vira Lata.” Pupillo and Dengue from Nação Zumbi contributed drums and bass on “Ponteiro,” and Siba (a founder of the regionally famous Pernambucan band Mestre Ambrósio) co-wrote “Nascente” with her.
Apká!, the title of Céu’s fifth album, came from Céu’s youngest child, Antonino. It was a word shouted by her one-year-old son to express complete satisfaction. It’s a mixture of excitement and gratitude. The album features French keyboardist and co-producer Hervé Salters, Lucas Martins and Pupillo on drums, programming, and guitarist Pedro Sá.
In March 2024, Céu announced her sixth studio album, Novela, set to release on April 26th via Urban Jungle/ONErpm. Recorded in Los Angeles, the album was produced by artists Pupillo and Adrian Younge. That same month she released the single, “Gerando Na Alta,” featuring London-based French/Senegalese singer anaiis. The track delves into themes of sisterhood and serves as a precursor to Novela.
Céu lived in New York City’s Lower East Side in the early 2000s, where she developed her songwriting skills amidst the vibrant street performer culture.
Returning to the USA in 2023, Céu embarked on the creation of Novela, collaborating with Adrian Younge at his renowned Linear Labs Studio in Los Angeles. Alongside longtime collaborator Pupillo, she crafted a collection of 12 tracks featuring collaborations and guest artists.
The album captures a diverse range of influences, mixing ancient technologies with modern production techniques. From soulful melodies to rap-infused rhythms, Novela highlights Céu’s fearlessness and dedication to pushing the boundaries of Brazilian music.
Discography
CéU (Urban Jungle/Six Degrees, 2005)
Remixed EP (2007)
Vagarosa (Six Degrees, 2009)
Caravana Sereia Bloom (Six Degrees, 2012)
Live (Six Degrees, 2014)
Tropix (Six Degrees, 2016)
Apká! (Urban Jungle Records/Six Degrees Records, 2019)
Um Gosto De Sol (Urban Jungle Records, 2021)
Acustico (Warner Music Brasil, 2021)
Novela (Urban Jungle/ONErpm, 2024)
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.