Djavan

Djavan Caetano Viana was born in Maceió, in the northeast of Brazil, in 1949. His family was poor, but that didn't stop him. He started playing covers of The Beatles in a group called Luz, Som, Dimensão. The name is an acronym that sounds like LSD, although it has nothing to do with drugs. In 1973 he moved to Rio de Janeiro and started singing in clubs. Over time, he gained popularity and recorded his first album in 1976. It was called *A voz, o violão e a arte de Djavan*. On that album was *Flor de lis*, which became one of his most well-known songs.

Over the years, his music blended traditional Brazilian rhythms with pop and jazz. He also incorporated African influences, something that is noticeable in songs like *Açaí*, *Samurái* and *Sina*. In *Samurái*, for example, Stevie Wonder plays the harmonica, giving it a special touch. His style is direct, with lyrics that speak about love, life and Brazilian culture. In 2000, *Acelerou* was chosen as the best Brazilian song of the year at the Latin Grammy. It was an important recognition for him.