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Preta Gil
Preta Gil 2022.jpg
Gil in 2022
Background information
Born (1974-08-08) 8 August 1974 (age 50)
Origin Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Genres
Occupation(s)
  • Singer
  • television presenter
  • actress
  • businesswoman
Years active 2003–present
Labels Universal Music
Associated acts

Preta Maria Gadelha Gil Moreira (born 8 August 1974), known as Preta Gil, is a famous Brazilian singer and actress. She is the daughter of Gilberto Gil, who is a well-known musician and was once a government official in Brazil, serving as the Minister of Culture.

Her Life Story

In 1974, when Preta Gil was born, her father, Gilberto Gil, went to register her name. He wanted to name her "Preta" after his own mother. However, the clerk at the office said he couldn't just use "Preta." Gilberto Gil argued, saying that names like "Branca" (white) or "Rosa" (rose) were allowed, so "Preta" (black) should be too. The clerk finally agreed, but only if "Preta" was combined with a traditional Catholic name. That's how she got the name Preta Maria.

Preta Gil first lived in Rio de Janeiro, but she moved to Salvador when she was only one year old. Later, her mother, Sandra, had another daughter named Maria. Preta also had an older brother, Pedro, who was born in London. Her father, Gilberto Gil, had to leave Brazil and live in London with his friend, singer Caetano Veloso, because Brazil was under a military government at the time.

Preta's grandmother, who was also the mother of Caetano Veloso's wife, Dedé, helped raise the children while their fathers were in London. Preta really looks up to her grandmother for being strong during those difficult times for their family.

Since she was a child, Preta Gil has always had a great imagination. When she was five, she even had an imaginary puppy! Her family moved to California for eight months when her father recorded an album there. Her mother used to joke that their airplane was like a "slave ship" because she and her children were Black. Preta's siblings, Maria and Pedro, had curly hair, but Preta had straight hair. Her uncle, Caetano Veloso, used to playfully call her "Filipina" because of this.

Preta grew up in Rio de Janeiro during the 1980s, a time when many exciting Brazilian bands and singers were popular. As the daughter of a music icon, she got to see all the behind-the-scenes action of the music world. She loved being around it, saying she felt very comfortable and drawn to the stage.

She dreamed of being a "Chacrete," a dancer on a popular TV show called Chacrinha. She would often beg her parents and famous relatives to let her go to the show's tapings. One day, she finally got to go. Seeing her uncle Caetano's dressing room filled with costumes and instruments made her think he was like a male version of the famous singer Carmen Miranda. Watching the show, she saw the "magic" happen and loved the lively atmosphere. This experience made her decide she wanted to be a singer and an actress. She would often pretend to be her godmother, Gal Costa, and other talented singers and actresses she admired, like Rita Lee and Elba Ramalho.

In March 2020, Preta Gil got COVID-19. She also has famous relatives like her first cousin, musician Moreno Veloso, and her second cousin, actress Patricia Pillar. She is also related to the rock singer Marina Lima.

Her Music Career

2003–2004: First Album "Prêt-à-Porter"

Preta Gil released her first studio album, called "Prêt-à Porter," in 2003. This was the start of her music journey.

2005–2010: Second Album "Preta" and "Noite Preta" Tour

Desfiles na Sapucaí, Carnaval 2007-2316
Preta Gil performing in 2007

Her second studio album, titled Preta, came out in September 2005. It included popular songs like "Very Dangerous" and "You and Me, You and Me."

In 2008, Preta started a new concert tour called "Noite Preta" (Black Night). She recorded a live DVD and Blu-ray of this show on October 20, 2009, which was released in July 2010. She mentioned that the "Preta Gil character" on stage is more free and outspoken than she is in her everyday life.

The release of her first live DVD and Blu-ray was a big event, celebrated with a large party in Rio. She shared how happy she was to reach this point in her career, feeling like a more mature artist.

2013–Present: 10 Years of Music and New Live DVD

To celebrate 10 years in music, Preta Gil recorded her second live DVD and Blu-ray, called Bloco da Preta, in October 2013. The show was a mix of Brazilian music styles, from pop to funk and samba. Many guest artists joined her, including Lulu, Ivete Sangalo, and Anitta. The show lasted three hours and was a huge production.

Preta Gil was very excited about the big show, saying that every singer dreams of such a large production. Even with a knee problem, she jumped and danced in high heels, showing her dedication.

During Carnival in 2014, the famous South Korean singer Psy performed with Preta Gil and Claudia Leitte.

Preta Gil is known for her energetic performances during Carnival. In 2014, she did 19 shows in just 15 days! Her street party, "Bloco da Preta" (Preta's Block), is one of the biggest in Rio de Janeiro, sometimes bringing together 2.5 million people in the streets. To handle such a busy schedule, she has a team of professionals helping her stay healthy and strong. She learned to take care of herself and let her team help with things like wardrobe and physical therapy.

Her Albums

Studio Albums

List of studio albums
Title Album details
Prêt-à Porter
  • Released: 2003
  • Label: Warner
  • Sales: 20,000
Preta
  • Released: 2005
  • Label: Universal
  • Sales: 20,000
Sou Como Sou
  • Released: 2012
  • Label: DGE Entertainment
  • Sales: 40,000

Live Albums

List of live albums
Title Album details
Noite Preta Ao Vivo
  • Released: 2010
  • Label: Universal
  • Sales: 45,000
Bloco da Preta
  • Released: 2014
  • Label: Sony
  • Sales: 10,000

Video Albums

List of video albums
Title Album details
Noite Preta Ao Vivo
  • Released: 2010
  • Label: Universal
  • Sales: 30,000
Bloco da Preta
  • Released: 2014
  • Label: Sony
  • Sales: 20,000

Singles

List of singles
Title Year Peak chart positions Album
BRA BRA
Regional Salvador
POR
"Sinais De Fogo" 2003 1 1 Prêt-à Porter
"Andaraí" 45
"Muito Perigoso" 2005 87 Preta
"Eu e Você, Você e Eu" 35
"Mutante" 2007 28 Apenas Single
"Stereo" 2009 11 21 Noite Preta ao Vivo
"Meu Valor" 2010 72
"Sou Como Sou" 2012 20 Sou Como Sou
"Mulher Carioca"
"Relax" 2013
"Que Isso Neguinho?" 2014
"Te Quero, Baby" 2015 78 N/A
"Eu Quero e Você Quer" 2017 10 9
"Decote" (Featuring Pabllo Vittar) 8 Todas as Cores
"Vá Se Benzer" (Featuring Gal Costa) 43
"Cheia de Desejo" 2018
"Excesso de Gostosura" 2019 82 N/A
"Só o Amor" (Featuring Gloria Groove) 34

Featuring

List of singles featuring Preta Gil
Title Year Peak chart positions Album
BRA BRA
Regional Salvador
POR
"Carinho de Verdade" (Featuring with various artists) 2011 55 Single Only
"Meu Corpo Quer Você" (Naldo feat. Preta Gil) Na Veia Tour
"Amor, Amor" (Wanessa feat. Preta Gil) 2013 86 DNA Tour
"Esse Amor" (Rodriguinho feat. Preta Gil) O Mundo Dá Voltas
"Go, Gol" (Rodrigo Alexey feat. Preta Gil) 2014 One Love, One Rhythm

Tours

  • 2008–2011: Noite Preta
  • 2012–present: Baile da Preta

Carnival Block

  • 2009–present: Bloco da Preta

TV Work

Presenter and cast
  • 2010: Vai e Vem - (GNT)
  • 2005: Caixa Preta - (Band)
  • 2012: The Voice Brasil
  • 2012–present: Esquenta!
  • 2013: Fantástico
Online radio
  • 2010: Noite Preta FM
Actress
  • 2010: As Cariocas
  • 2010: Ti Ti Ti
  • 2009: Caminho das Índias
  • 2008: Ó Paí, Ó
  • 2008: Os Mutantes – Caminhos do Coração
  • 2007: Caminhos do Coração
  • 2003: Agora É que São Elas
Film

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