Uriel , born in Bom Despacho (MG) and raised in Abaeté, has been making his mark on the national pop music scene. Nicknamed the “Brazilian Sam Smith”, the young singer enchanted the audience and the judges on the Biscoito ou Bolacha segment of the program Sabadou com Virgínia. His moving performance was praised by figures such as Virgínia Fonseca and Joelma, consolidating his position as one of the great promises of Brazilian music.
You discovered your love for music at a school performance in 2015. Can you tell us about that experience and what made you realize that this was what you wanted to do with your life?
With this presentation, I experienced, for the first time, the sensation of causing emotions and identification through music. People applauded me, gave me feedback and impressions about the presentation and this made my connection with music much stronger.
You look up to iconic artists like Ariana Grande and Whitney Houston. How do these inspirations influence your musical style and how do you find your own voice amidst such powerful influences?
The versatility of these artists excites and inspires me. For me, being an artist means knowing how to interpret and convey feelings, whether they are fantasy or not. I love pop music precisely because of the freedom it gives us to create our own sound, inspired by other rhythms. I grew up listening to different musical genres such as sertanejo, funk and pop, but I chose pop as my medium of performance because I am not just one thing. I like to change and play with the possibilities that exist and sometimes be everything at the same time. In every sense.
Participating in the Biscoito ou Bolacha segment was a milestone in your career, earning praise from Joelma and Virgínia. What was that experience like for you and what changed in your career after that performance?
Participating in the program opened many doors and paths for me. People and the market see you differently when you occupy certain spaces. So expect a lot of work, partnerships, advertising and many shows from me in 2025. Stay tuned!
In addition to singing, you also compose, dance and model. How do all these areas connect in your career and what does each of them represent to you as an artist?
Music, fashion and dance are what make me an artist. A singer is not only found in his voice, but also in the image he chooses to portray and in his stage presence, which may or may not be choreographed. Here we see music, fashion and dance going hand in hand. I found in each type of expression a way to project myself as Uriel.
You use your visibility to address issues such as mental health and self-care. Why is it important for you to talk about these issues and how do these issues relate to your music and your relationship with your fans?
Music saved me. It was through music that I found refuge from many difficult issues that I faced with my family and in the process I learned about self-care and the importance of having a balanced mental health. Art is a refuge, it is fun, joy and it is in this sense that I meet my fans when I am singing. Talking about mental health and self-care became more present after I realized and became aware that people wanted to connect with me beyond music. So I started talking about my thoughts and what sustains me as a human being. It is impossible not to talk about this without mentioning mental health and self-care. The world is hostile, if we do not take care of ourselves, who will?
Your TikTok content has brought you closer to a growing audience. What do you value most about this direct connection with your fans and how do you find inspiration to create content that is authentic and relevant?
I value the truth. I like to convey the truth to people, whether it is difficult to accept or not. Through music or conversations on social media, I am always saying what I think and trying to hear what they want to tell me as well.
With new projects on the way and the title of “Brazilian Sam Smith”, what are your biggest dreams for the future and what can we expect from you in the next chapters of your career?
I really want to take my music all over Brazil, sing on big stages and festivals, collaborate with big names like Anitta and Luisa Sonza, and dance, have fun with the crowd and see everyone with their energy up. These are my goals for the future and I will achieve them.
Follow Uriel on Instagram