Brazilian duo blends Carnival, samba, and MPB in singles “Calmaria” and “Canto e Danço”, out January 23 on streaming platforms. Partnership sparked in Belo Horizonte music circles.
Vitória Pires & Gabriel Haddad forged their collaboration amid Carnival gatherings in Belo Horizonte. The Minas Gerais artists drop two singles this month.
Both draw from street performances and blocks. Vitória leads vocals for Orkestra da Percussão Circular and founded Samba das Amadas. Gabriel plays with Caminantes and shaped blocks like Sai Pra Lá Capeta.
Creative encounters
Mutual admiration grew during Carnival events. “We kept bumping into each other at block parties, wondering if we’d ever collaborate,” Vitória recalls.
We planned to compose together, but schedules clashed until she asked me to send something remotely. Two days later, she returned with beautiful lyrics.
That sparked “Canto e Danço”. Weekly sessions produced more tracks. The duo was born.
Song highlights
“Canto e Danço” mixes quaternary verses with a waltz chorus. It invites shared dance. Gabriel calls it a shift toward peace.
“Calmaria” pulses with ijexá rhythm, channeling Carnival. Vitória notes: “The arrangement feels like a street procession.”
Fernando Caneca handles production. The team features Fernando Nunes on bass and Leonardo Reis on percussion. Artwork by Celso Haddad; visualizers by Carolina Fonseca.
2026 plans
More singles, live shows, and a full album await. Tours hit Belo Horizonte’s Carnival. Gabriel shares: “We’ll take the show around the city and beyond.”
Vitória Pires
Singer, songwriter, and percussionist, Vitória Pires fronts Orkestra da Percussão Circular and Bloco Circuladô. She started Samba das Amadas. Her solo work fuses samba and MPB.
Gabriel Haddad
Singer and producer with Caminantes. He founded Sai Pra Lá Capeta block. Collaborations include Di Souza and Minas Gerais talents.
Details
Vitória Pires & Gabriel Haddad release “Calmaria” and “Canto e Danço”
When: January 23 (Friday)
Where: Major streaming platforms
More: https://www.instagram.com/vitoriapiresartista/ and https://www.instagram.com/_gabrielhaddad/
Photo: Danton Freitas
