‘This janitor’s daughter became a state deputy’: Leci Brandão, the Brazilian samba star turned communist lawmaker

Leci Brandão is a samba singer and politician who turns 80 on Thursday.
She is the first Black woman to occupy a seat in the São Paulo parliament for an extended period and only the second Black congresswoman in its history.
Brandão has been a lawmaker with Brazil's Communist party since 2011.
She began her music career in 1976, focusing on politically engaged songs.
Brandão's work in politics is seen as an extension of her music.

Leci Brandão, born into poverty, has made significant contributions as both a samba singer and a politician. As she turns 80, she reflects on her remarkable life, which includes being a trailblazing female composer in a male-dominated genre since 1976, and her role as a lawmaker with Brazil's Communist party since 2011. Brandão is noted for being the first Black woman to hold a long-term seat in the São Paulo parliament and only the second Black congresswoman in the history of the state. Her music often addressed social issues, and she views her political career as a continuation of her mission to address societal inequalities.

Leci Brandão, a pioneering samba singer and politician, celebrates her 80th birthday while reflecting on her impactful career in music and politics. She is recognized as the first Black woman to hold a long-term seat in the São Paulo parliament.

Leci Brandão: Samba Singer and Politician Turns 80

Score	Value
Scale	4
Novelty	5
Positivity	7
Reliability	8
Actionability	2
Society	6
Journalism	3

Leci Brandão: Samba Singer and Politician Turns 80

9/11/2024

[0]The Guardian

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