Laura Mostafa Música

Descended from Egyptian and Italian blood, Laura de Santa possesses a booming voice that travels easily from jazz to samba. She has captivated audiences at home and abroad, having performed at the renowned South Bank Centre in London and in the heart of Rio de Janeiro’s music district at the Fundicão Progresso in Lapa. A former student of the dramatic arts, De Santa’s shows combine her versatile vocal talents with her gift for creating enthralling atmospheres.

While living in England, she sang in bars, theatres, and on the streets as well as with Maestro Gui Tavares’s vocal group Nossa Voz. In her native Rio, de Santa is an important voice during the city’s Street Carnivals and has studied at Escola Portatil de Musica and performed Teatro de Anonimo, among other theatre groups. In addition to her ever-evolving solo act, she also sings as part of Grupo Batuque das Meninas and Kizomba.

De Santa’s multicultural style transcends musical categories, but she is above all else a force in Brazilian popular music, taking the tradition of “rodas de samba carioca” to the most improbable places. No one can hear her sing and fail to be moved. A charismatic presence, she is the best kept secret of the locals.