Granddaughter of Selma do Coco and daughter of Aurinha, Negadeza releases “Herança Ancestral” with her 15-year-old son Zuri Ribeiro on April 10, 2026.
A new chapter in the story of coco pernambucano is being written — and it spans three generations. On April 10, 2026, singer, composer, and percussionist Negadeza releases the original EP “Herança Ancestral” (Ancestral Heritage) alongside her son, multi-instrumentalist Zuri Ribeiro. The record is both a tribute and a living continuation of a powerful female lineage in Brazilian roots music.
A Lineage of Coco Masters
Negadeza is the granddaughter of Selma do Coco and the daughter of Aurinha do Coco, two iconic masters of the coco rhythm from Pernambuco, northeastern Brazil. Born in Recife and raised in Olinda, she has dedicated her life to preserving and spreading this tradition. She currently lives in Rio de Janeiro and performs in Lenine‘s band.
Throughout her career, Negadeza has shared stages with artists such as Gilberto Gil, Naná Vasconcelos, Dominguinhos, Geraldo Azevedo, Alceu Valença, Cátia de França, Paulo Moura, and Amelinha — establishing herself as one of Brazil’s most active percussionists.
I feel my masters with me when I sing, as if my voice carries theirs alongside it.
Six Tracks, Six Family Bonds
Every song on the EP holds a personal connection. The title track, “Herança Ancestral”, previously released as a single, is dedicated to grandmother Selma do Coco. “It’s because of her that I play coco. I wrote that song especially for my grandmother, in gratitude for everything she left us,” says Negadeza.
“Mestra Querida” honors Aurinha do Coco. The song was written by friend Lucas Furtunato on the very day Aurinha passed away, as a gift to Negadeza. “On the day my mother died, my friend Lucas Furtunato wrote this song for her and sent it to me. I recorded it now to mark her importance in my life,” the artist recalls.
“Serenou” revisits Aurinha’s memory through images of home, faith, and sacred ritual — invoking Iemanjá and Oyá/Iansã with Yoruba-language elements. “O Caminho” (The Path) is Zuri’s own composition: a tribute to the three female masters of his family — great-grandmother, grandmother, and mother. “The path is very long, but I will get there,” he sings. “Vida que Segue” (Life Goes On) closes the EP with a personal look at resilience after life’s turning points.
A 15-Year-Old Prodigy at the Helm
At just 15 years old, Zuri Ribeiro produced the entire EP and plays multiple instruments throughout the project. The godson of Hermeto Pascoal, Zuri grew up surrounded by coco tradition and its greatest living masters. His musical maturity as both a multi-instrumentalist and producer is remarkable for his age.
Together, mother and son built a sound where percussion anchors every moment and the voice carries intimate, narrative weight. The result is an EP that honors the past without being trapped in it.
Community-Funded, Community-Rooted
“Herança Ancestral” was made possible through a crowdfunding campaign backed by 165 supporters. The collective financing mirrors the communal spirit of coco itself — a tradition that has always thrived through shared participation and care.
Pre-save and streaming links are now available at: https://tratore.ffm.to/negadezaezuri
Event Info
- EP: Herança Ancestral (Ancestral Heritage)
- Artists: Negadeza and Zuri Ribeiro
- Release date: April 10, 2026
- Pre-save/Stream: https://tratore.ffm.to/negadezaezuri
- Music production: Zuri Ribeiro
- Photo: Marcella Saraceni
