On Monday, October 28th, my second cousin, Zélia Duncan, blew out sixty candles. Thirty years ago, she made her debut in Brazilian music, but she has been singing since the age of 16. Within her exist countless other women, and today, in celebration of a landmark birthday, we will explore some of their stories.
I’m, going to concentrate on two of Zelia’s best loved songs, “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 Despite this, she represents a rebellion against the male dominance of her strict society, challenging the outdated patriarchal values many women of her time accepted.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.
Zelia and Rita Lee
Of Zélia Duncan’s musical partners and friendships, it’s possible none are of greater significance than two other icons: Rita Lee and Cássia Eller.
Rita Lee is 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 female rock in Brazil with her pioneering band and before launching a successful solo career. She was one of the first female Brazilian musicians involved in songwriting, musical arrangements, and playing the electric guitar. Rita Lee was way ahead of her time, an advocate for freedom of speech, particularly in the post-military dictatorship years. Her songs addressed taboos within conservative society, tackling topics such as female sexuality, pleasure, menstruation and menopause. She paid homage to national feminist icons and referenced repressed queer culture and homosexuality.
Zelia and Cassia
Cássia Eller is considered to be Brazil's unclaimed rock princess, leaving a profound legacy on the 1990s Brazilian rock scene. She was celebrated for her versatility, her unique vocal range, and an 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, recently 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 — the legal recognition of two mothers for a child, even if one of them is not the biological mother. 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.
Any discussion of Zélia Duncan's influences and musical predecessors would be incomplete with highlighting the legendary Joni Mitchell, her poetic lyrics and her genre-defying sound. Her 1960s blend of folk, rock, and jazz, created a unique musical style that captivates still. Joni’s 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 has always represented artistic independence, challenging societal norms and inspiring generations of female artists. Hers is a fearless approach to songwriting.
Last but not least, the star of this piece is Zélia Duncan. She possesses a deep voice that was once a source of bile for bullies 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 her influences, alongside many too numerous to name here, paving the way for an entire generation. Behind every successful woman, there is a legion of others who support and uplift her.
