The days when samba and pagode were exclusively dominated by male voices are behind us. Showing that a woman’s place is wherever she wants, women are increasingly present and standing out in the music scene, and among them is Mari Henrique, a 24-year-old girl. With a powerful voice and a strong team after establishing a partnership with the renowned company Excess Produções, led by businessman Sérgio Ribeiro, and the LEP Music Brasil label, the singer began her journey in Araruama and now aims to conquer the entire country. Mari has already had the opportunity to share the stage with Suel, Belo and Di Propósito, and is about to release her new single, “5 Segundos”, released on November 17th. Although she has been immersed in samba circles since childhood, her first steps in music took another direction: gospel music, between the ages of 13 and 18.
At the age of 20, Mari decided to convey her emotions through samba, bringing back her childhood nostalgia. Within the most striking rhythms of Brazilian culture, she is inspired by big names, from the classics to the new generation artists. According to the singer, Maria Rita, Ferrugem, Thiaguinho, Sorriso Maroto, Alexandre Pires and Thiago Soares bring together the characteristics she wants for her own career.
Furthermore, Mari highlights the presence of Ludmilla, a funk singer who has increasingly ventured into samba. Sharing the stage with Belo, the singer expresses her desire to collaborate with the singer, whose songs were the soundtrack to her life. Among her musical dreams, Mari mentions that a duet with Sorriso Maroto, Alexandre Pires and Ferrugem would be a unique achievement.
On the eve of the release of her new single, “5 Segundos”, Mari stands out as a big bet for Excess Produções, led by Sérgio Ribeiro, and has the complete team of LEP Music Brasil at her side, made up of professionals like Tayana dos Santos , Executive Producer, Geovane Bento, phonographic strategist member of Spotify Soundboard, Dre Ferreira, specialist in artistic marketing, Rafael Senna, music producer at GloboTracks and responsible for the soundtracks of major Globo soap operas, in addition to legal support from Priscilla Crespo. For two months, she prepared intensely with Carlinhos de Jesus for the performance and Charles Miranda, Vocal Coach from “The Voice Brasil” (TV Globo), for vocal improvement.
In her new song, the singer shares her vision of instant love and the search for reciprocity. According to Mari, her original compositions are inspired by personal experiences, experiences of people close to her, as well as everyday situations, films, books and narratives created by herself. Born in São Gonçalo, having lived part of her childhood in Colombia and her adulthood in Araruama, Mari is determined to conquer the world. Shining more and more on stages and streaming platforms, the singer sees her goal and privilege as spreading national culture even further.
You mentioned that women, especially in samba and pagode, are often challenged to reaffirm their knowledge to convey credibility. How did you overcome these uncomfortable situations and become one of the first women in Araruama to stand out in this segment?
It was challenging, but the support of people who liked my work helped me not to absorb these situations, I literally learned to deal with and ignore them through the music and those who accompanied me.
His musical journey began in church, passing through gospel. How was the challenging transition to samba? And how does the influence of the church manifest itself in your music today?
The challenge was to understand that they are different ways of expressing and communicating. The influence of the church is to not stop showing feelings for what I do.
You highlight artists ranging from the classics to the new generation, such as Maria Rita, Ferrugem, Thiaguinho, among others. How do these different styles influence your own musical approach?
Each artist I mentioned has a strong point that stands out, such as: identity, feeling in the voice, performance, etc. These are characteristics that are similar to what I would like to deliver to my audience and therefore influence me to deliver the best.
Ludmilla is a prominent figure in his musical repertoire. How do you see the growing presence of women in samba and pagode, and how has this impacted your career?
I think it’s incredible and I’m grateful to all the women who were willing to face such a huge taboo. The impact on my career is positive, as it opened the doors for others who are fighting like me to carve out their space.
Sharing the stage with renowned artists like Belo must have been an incredible experience. What was the most memorable moment for you when sharing the stage with these artists?
It was seeing their reception on stage. It’s always the most memorable moment for me because the butterflies in my stomach take over! And seeing how they try to make you feel comfortable is incredible!
His new single “5 Segundos” will be released soon. Can you tell us a little about the inspiration behind this song and what listeners can expect from it?
This song was based on passion at first sight, on idealizing a relationship with someone before it even happened. My listeners can expect a lot of feeling and excitement when listening and feeling this music. It’s the kind where you put your hand on your chest and sing with your eyes closed.
What has it been like working with Excess Produções and LEP Music Brasil? And how have these partnerships influenced your career so far?
It’s been incredible! These are two partnerships that have directed my career and taught me how this market works. Every artist should have this opportunity, I’m very grateful to have them.
You mentioned that your original songs are inspired by personal experiences and everyday situations. “5 Seconds” talks about falling in love at first sight. Is there a specific experience you’d like to share behind this song?
When the song was being created, I understood the path it would take me, it was a very incredible journey and after it was finished I saw that I was singing something that had happened to me too. I’ve already been in a relationship with someone I wasn’t programmed to get attached to, but a very intense feeling quickly developed and I had to take a risk to see what would happen, and it was a risk that turned out very well.
In addition to the release of the new single, what are your plans and goals for the future of your music career? Are there any artists you dream of collaborating with?
The goal is to increasingly expand my music with my compositions and my shows, always delivering the best. My dream is to record a feat with the singer Belo.
How do you, born in São Gonçalo, bring elements of your history, including your childhood in Colombia, to your music? How do these cultural influences shape your musical identity?
Living in another country made me very attached to Brazilian culture, because whenever I went back to Colombia, I missed what family samba circles were like, etc. This made me fall in love with the segment.
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