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Jovelina Pérola Negra, born on July 21, 1944, in Rio de Janeiro, was a renowned Brazilian singer celebrated for her contributions to samba and pagode. With a distinctive hoarse voice and a powerful presence, she was influenced by the style of Clementina de Jesus, for whom she worked as a maid before achieving success in music. Jovelina grew up in Botafogo and later moved to Belford Roxo in the Baixada Fluminense. She gained national attention by participating in the influential album "Raça Brasileira" in 1985. As a pastor of Imperio Serrano, she played a significant role in the development of pagode music. Over her career, she released five platinum albums, though her success came later in life, and she often expressed a desire to provide for her children in ways she could not. Jovelina passed away from a heart attack on November 2, 1998, at the age of 54 in Jacarepaguá. Her unique style and powerful voice earned her a dedicated fan base, and she was honored by other artists, including a performance by Maria Bethânia at Terreirão do Samba. Alcione also paid tribute to her in the album "Profissão Cantora." Jovelina Pérola Negra remains a celebrated figure in samba, remembered for her impactful contributions to the genre and her representation of the black community.