Soul II Soul, Fernanda Abreu, Greentea Peng and Jayda G headline Queremos! Festival 2026, taking over three iconic Rio de Janeiro venues this April.
Now in its seventh edition, the festival runs on April 4, 5, 10 and 11 across the Teatro Carlos Gomes, Circo Voador and Vivo Rio. The lineup blends world premieres, one-of-a-kind projects and established names from the contemporary music scene, both Brazilian and international.
Opening Weekend at Teatro Carlos Gomes
On Saturday, April 4, Zeca Veloso launches the “Boas Novas” tour — the debut live presentation of his first solo album, featuring new compositions and songs such as “Salvador,” “Máquina do Rio,” “Talvez Menor,” “Desenho de Animação” and “Carolina,” alongside collaborations with Caetano Veloso, Moreno Veloso and Tom Veloso. Opening the evening is Gabriele Leite, presenting the debut performance of “Gunûncho”, her second album, which blends interpretations of female composers with original works and cements her place in contemporary Brazilian guitar music.
On Sunday, April 5, Fitti brings “Fitti canta Ney” to Rio for the first time. Directed by Marcus Preto, the project reimagines the catalog of Ney Matogrosso through a personal artistic lens, covering songs central to the singer’s iconic persona. Pedro Mizutani opens the night, showcasing his latest phase, which blends MPB, indie and acoustic pop.
Greentea Peng and Ata Kak at Circo Voador
On April 10, the Circo Voador hosts the Brazilian debut of Greentea Peng, who presents her 2025 album “Tell Dem It’s Sunny”. The British artist blends neo-soul, dub, jazz and psychedelia, with standout singles “Tardis (hardest),” “One Foot” and “Green.” Opening the night is Ata Kak, the Ghanaian cult figure who spans from the celebrated “Obaa Sima” (1994) to new music developed in Kumasi, mixing electronics, hiplife and vocal experimentation.
A Star-Studded Closing at Vivo Rio
April 11 brings the festival’s most expansive night. Vivo Rio opens two stages — including an outdoor terrace setup — for a lineup that crosses generations and genres, with strong female representation and dancefloor energy. Global R&B and soul icons Soul II Soul share the bill with Fernanda Abreu, who makes her national debut of “Da Lata 30 Anos”, revisiting the landmark album that reshaped Brazilian pop by fusing funk carioca, samba, hip hop and electronic music — co-produced with Will Mowat of Soul II Soul.
Gaby Amarantos debuts her show “Rock Doido” in Rio, combining tecnobrega, pop and Amazonian identity. Céu revisits her debut album, reaffirming the lasting relevance of her work. Melly closes out the “Amarríssima” cycle with Afro-Brazilian musicality and commanding stage presence.
Pianist and composer Jonathan Ferr, a pioneer of urban jazz in Brazil, presents the “Urban Jazz, o Baile!” project in two sets with a supergroup, blending jazz, hip hop and electronics. Closing the festival, Canadian artist Jayda G delivers her expansive house music set — weaving in disco and soul to create a collective dancefloor experience.
Queremos! Festival reinforces Rio de Janeiro as a global convergence point for live music experiences of international significance.
Practical Information
QUEREMOS! Festival 2026 — Saturday, April 4
Zeca Veloso — “Boas Novas” tour debut | Opening: Gabriele Leite — “Gunûncho” show
QUEREMOS! Festival 2026 — Sunday, April 5
Fitti — “Fitti Canta Ney” | Opening: Pedro Mizutani
Venue: Teatro Carlos Gomes — Praça Tiradentes nº 19, Centro, Rio de Janeiro/RJ
Doors open: 6:00 PM | Opening acts: 6:30 PM | Headliners: 7:45 PM
Age restriction: 18+ | Tickets: from BRL 80 (half-price / solidarity entry)
QUEREMOS! Festival 2026 — Friday, April 10
Greentea Peng and Ata Kak
Venue: Circo Voador — Rua dos Arcos s/nº, Lapa, Rio de Janeiro/RJ
Doors open: 8:00 PM | Ata Kak: 9:00 PM | Greentea Peng: 10:30 PM
Age restriction: 18+ | Tickets: from BRL 150 (half-price / solidarity entry)
QUEREMOS! Festival 2026 — Saturday, April 11
Soul II Soul, Fernanda Abreu, Jayda G, Gaby Amarantos, Céu, Melly and Jonathan Ferr
Venue: Vivo Rio — Av. Infante Dom Henrique, 75 e 85, Parque do Flamengo, Rio de Janeiro/RJ
Doors open: 5:00 PM | Age restriction: 18+ | Tickets: from BRL 180 (half-price / solidarity entry)
Queremos! Festival is annually sponsored by Heineken.
Photo: Divulgação
