Artist page

Joao Selva, born in Rio de Janeiro, is the son of a pastor from Ipanema. He grew up in a community of former prisoners and converted artists. At 18, he began his career as a traveling artist, performing music hall shows for children across Africa, South America, and the Caribbean. He later settled in Lyon, France, where he started recording music. His albums, Navegar (“to sail”) released in 2021 and Passarinho (“little bird”) in 2023, reflect his ambitions to connect the musical components of the Black Atlantic, encompassing Brazilian samba, Angolan Semba, Cape Verdean funaná, Caribbean zouk, Congolese rumba, and American funk. His new album, Onda, continues this exploration, embodying a vibrant transatlantic artwork filled with sensuality and joy. With a sunny and flamboyant spirit, Joao Selva invites listeners to experience the essence of his wave album “Onda,” set to release under Underdog Records in 2025.

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