Leci Brandão

Leci Brandão (Portuguese pronunciation: [leˈsi brɐ̃nˈdɐ̃w], Rio de Janeiro, September 12, 1944) is a Brazilian politician, singer and composer of Brazilian Popular Music (Música Popular Brasileira or MPB). She is the daughter of Dona Lecy (Lecy de Assumpção Brandão). Her performance of "Quero Sim" won the National Meeting of Samba Composers in 1973 and her debut album came out in 1974. She received other awards during her career and, in the 1980s, she became a popular commentator for Brazil's TV channel's coverage of famous samba school carnival parades.

One of Leci Brandão's latest performances was in 2005 with Raça Brasileira: 20 Anos (DVD: 'Raca Brasileira', rated NR, one hour/2005) with many other Brazilian samba greats (i.e. Beth Carvalho, Arlindo Cruz, Almir Guineto, etc.).

As a Black Brazilian, a woman, and an artist, Leci Brandão has long taken opportunities to declare herself against racism and all other forms of discrimination. She came out as gay in an interview in 1978. She has lent her name, voice and cache by performing in LGBT events against homophobia. In the 2012 carnival, she was honored by the Escola de samba Académicos del Tatuapé.