Chico Buarque

The Profile

Chico Buarque (born 19 June 1944, Rio de Janeiro) is a Brazilian singer-songwriter, novelist, and playwright, central to MPB. Renowned for poetic, socially attuned lyrics and the landmark album Construção (1971), he has collaborated with figures such as Vinicius de Moraes and Tom Jobim and is a recipient of the Camões Prize (2019).

Full name: Francisco Buarque de Hollanda; born 19 June 1944 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Brazilian singer-songwriter, novelist, and playwright; key figure in MPB, samba, and bossa nova; active since the 1960s. Noted for the album Construção (1971). Lived in Rome in 1953 due to his father’s academic post; self-exiled during Brazil’s military dictatorship. Collaborated with Vinicius de Moraes and Tom Jobim. Camões Prize laureate (2019).

A single, glowing review focuses on Construção (1971), praising its lyrical architecture and emotional heft. It highlights Buarque’s post-exile return, MPB roots, and refined orchestration. The critic notes collaborations with Vinicius de Moraes and Tom Jobim, and nods to a Lucio Dalla connection. Overall: an essential gateway to Brazilian singer-songwriters.