On Monday, October 28th, my second cousin blew out sixty candles. Thirty years ago, she made her authorial debut in Brazilian music, but she has been singing since the age of 16. Within her exist countless other women, and today, we will explore some of their stories.
In Zélia Duncan’s songs, I will draw attention to two: “Capitu” (cover) and “Pagu” (feat. Rita Lee).
Capitu is a renowned female character from Brazilian literature, created by Machado de Assis. She is famously described as having “oblique and concealed gypsy eyes.” Capitu is a strong-willed woman who thinks for herself, although her husband, Bentinho, perceives her as selfish and unfaithful. Despite this, she represents a rebellion against the male dominance of her strict society, challenging the outdated values many women of her time accepted. Shaped by a conservative upbringing, she strives to break free from old standards. With her Uncle Cosme's guidance, she learns to read, write, and do arithmetic, as well as needlework, Latin, English, and backgammon, reflecting her desire for growth and self-expression.
Pagu (Patrícia Rehder Galvão) was a groundbreaking figure in Brazilian culture and a key player in the Modernist movement. As a writer, journalist, and activist, she championed women’s rights and social change, using her work to address issues like gender inequality and political oppression. Pagu co-founded the influential literary magazine Klaxon, promoting avant-garde ideas and modernist literature. Her novel Parque Industrial explores the complexities of female identity and sexuality. Through her bold actions and writings, Pagu became a lasting symbol of freedom and rebellion in Brazilian society.
Turning to Zélia Duncan’s musical partners and personal friendships, I will focus on two other icons: Rita Lee and Cássia Eller.
Rita Lee is known as Brazil's queen of rock and a self-proclaimed patroness of freedom. In a male-dominated rock scene, she aimed to prove the critics wrong and paved the way for many female rockers in the country with her pioneering band and later her solo career. She was one of the first female musicians involved in songwriting, musical arrangements, and playing the electric guitar. Ahead of her time, she advocated for freedom of speech, particularly in the post-military dictatorship era. Her songs addressed taboos within conservative society, tackling topics such as female sexuality, pleasure, menopause, and menstruation. She paid homage to national feminist icons and referenced repressed queer culture and homosexuality.
Cássia Eller, often considered Brazil's unclaimed rock princess, left a profound legacy in the 1990s Brazilian rock scene. She was celebrated for her versatility, unique vocal range, and intense stage presence, marked by her androgynous persona and charismatic artistry. During the AIDS pandemic, which devastated pop culture and the LGBT+ community, Cássia emerged as a bold bisexual icon, openly discussing her relationships with women and challenging societal norms around monogamy and femininity. Her unapologetic expressions of sexuality and identity—such as baring her breasts on stage, spitting and touching her genitalia,— pushed boundaries and made her a queer cult icon rediscovered by Generation Z. Despite her shyness offstage, she garnered respect and visibility for the LGBT+ community amid rampant prejudice. Following her untimely death, Cássia's legacy gained new significance when her partner, Maria Eugênia, fought a legal battle for custody of their son, Chicão, against Cássia's father. Cássia had explicitly stated in an interview that Maria should be the guardian if anything happened to her. This pivotal detail played a significant role in the landmark 2001 ruling that recognized double motherhood for the first time in Brazil, years before same-sex marriage was legalized. This case marked a significant step toward acknowledging diverse family structures, although same-sex families still face challenges and stigma today.
In discussing Zélia Duncan's influences and musical predecessors, I must highlight Joni Mitchell. Joni Mitchell is a legendary singer-songwriter known for her poetic lyrics and genre-defying sound. Bursting onto the scene in the 1960s, she blended folk, rock, and jazz, creating a unique musical style that captivated audiences. Her iconic songs like "A Case of You," "Big Yellow Taxi," and "Both Sides Now" showcase her gift for expressing complex emotions and storytelling. Beyond her music, Mitchell symbolizes artistic independence, challenging societal norms and inspiring generations of female artists. With her fearless approach to songwriting and her profound impact on music, Joni Mitchell remains a timeless icon whose work continues to resonate today.
Last but not least, the star of this piece is Zélia Duncan. She possesses a deep voice that was once a source of bullying in her early years but has since become her trademark in the Brazilian music industry. In Brazilian Popular Music (MPB), women with deep voices have played an important role, bringing a new perspective and sound to the genre. While there isn’t a single name that can be pinpointed as the "founder" of this style, several artists have stood out and helped pave the way for deeper female vocals in MPB, enriching the genre with diversity. Zélia stands out as an intersectional icon, using her prominent platform to advocate for political awareness and the rights of minorities.
A noteworthy aspect of Zélia Duncan’s journey is her familial legacy. Behind this artist stands a grandmother and a maiden name from her mother’s side. Interestingly, the cities of Niterói and Brasília—both of which are feminine in Brazilian Portuguese—have opened doors of opportunity for her, providing a backdrop for musical partnerships, covers, and compositions.
Zélia Duncan breathes life into these influences, alongside many others not named here, paving the way for an entire generation in eager anticipation. Behind every successful woman, there is a legion of others who support and uplift her.
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