Larissa de Macedo Machado, known to the world as Anitta, is one of Brazil’s most iconic and influential pop stars. Born on March 30, 1993, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Anitta’s journey to stardom is a tale of talent, perseverance, and dedication. Over the years, she has earned the title “Queen of Brazilian Pop” and is celebrated not just in her home country but worldwide for her infectious music, charismatic stage presence, and ability to transcend cultural boundaries.
Early Life and Beginnings
Anitta grew up in the neighborhood of Honório Gurgel in Rio de Janeiro, a working-class area that shaped much of her identity. Raised in a close-knit family, her parents, Mauro Machado and Miriam Macedo, always supported her dreams. Even as a child, Anitta showed a natural talent for performing. She sang in a church choir at the age of eight, giving her a platform to develop her voice and hone her musical abilities.
Her love for music grew, and by her teenage years, she had already started performing in local events. While her surroundings may not have been filled with luxury or privilege, Anitta’s upbringing grounded her with the determination to break out of her environment and pursue her dreams in the competitive music industry.
Breaking into the Music Industry
Anitta’s first taste of mainstream success came in 2010 when she began posting videos of herself singing on YouTube. Her talent caught the attention of DJ Batutinha, a well-known producer in the Brazilian music scene. Impressed by her vocals, Batutinha helped Anitta record her first few tracks. One of her earliest hits, “Eu Vou Ficar,” released in 2011, marked the beginning of her professional music career.
In 2012, she signed a deal with Warner Music Brazil, a significant milestone in her career. That same year, she released her debut single, “Meiga e Abusada,” which became a massive hit in Brazil. The song’s success helped put Anitta on the radar of the wider Brazilian music audience and gained her more recognition in the funk carioca scene, a genre-blending Brazilian funk with electronic beats.
Rise to Fame with “Show das Poderosas”
Anitta’s career took a monumental leap in 2013 with the release of her breakout single, “Show das Poderosas.” The song, paired with a captivating music video, became a cultural phenomenon in Brazil. “Show das Poderosas” topped the charts, solidifying Anitta’s status as a rising star and a leading figure in the Brazilian pop landscape. The video’s choreography, along with Anitta’s fierce attitude, resonated with young audiences and catapulted her into the spotlight.
The success of “Show das Poderosas” opened many doors for Anitta. She became a household name and started performing on major Brazilian television shows. Her debut self-titled album, “Anitta,” was released later that year, featuring other popular tracks like “Não Para” and “Zen.” The album achieved commercial success and established her as a versatile artist, capable of delivering dance hits as well as emotional ballads.
Expanding Her Musical Horizons
Anitta’s rise in Brazil was meteoric, but she wasn’t content with just being a national star. She aimed for global recognition. Over the next few years, she worked on expanding her sound, incorporating elements of pop, reggaeton, and EDM to appeal to a broader, international audience.
In 2015, she released her second album, “Ritmo Perfeito,” which showcased her evolving musical style. The album featured hit singles like “Deixa Ele Sofrer” and “Bang,” the latter becoming one of her most successful songs to date. “Bang” marked a turning point in her career, blending Brazilian funk with a pop sound that resonated with both national and international listeners. The music video for “Bang” was particularly iconic, featuring colorful, comic book-style visuals and Anitta’s signature dance moves. The song became a chart-topping hit and further established her as a dominant force in the Brazilian music industry.
International Success and Collaborations
Anitta’s ambition to conquer the global music scene led her to collaborate with several international artists. In 2016, she collaborated with Colombian singer Maluma on the track “Sim ou Não,” which became a massive hit across Latin America. The success of the song further fueled her desire to break into the international market.
In 2017, Anitta released the song “Paradinha,” her first Spanish-language single. This move was strategic, as she aimed to tap into the growing Latin music market. “Paradinha” became a hit not only in Brazil but also in several Latin American countries, demonstrating Anitta’s ability to cross linguistic and cultural barriers.
Her global presence continued to grow with collaborations with international artists such as J Balvin, Major Lazer, and Iggy Azalea. One of her most notable collaborations was with Major Lazer on the track “Sua Cara,” which featured Brazilian singer Pabllo Vittar. The song became a summer anthem and its music video garnered millions of views on YouTube within days of its release.
In 2018, Anitta took a significant step towards global recognition by releasing a trilingual album titled “Kisses.” The album featured songs in Portuguese, Spanish, and English, showcasing her versatility as an artist and her ability to appeal to diverse audiences. “Kisses” included collaborations with international artists like Snoop Dogg and Becky G, further cementing her status as a global pop sensation.
Venturing into Television and Acting
Alongside her music career, Anitta has explored acting and taken on roles as a television host. She made her acting debut in the Brazilian film “Copa de Elite” in 2014 and later appeared in other Brazilian productions. Her charismatic personality and stage presence also led her to host her own variety show, “Anitta Entrou no Grupo,” which aired on Multishow in Brazil.
Anitta has also been a coach on the Brazilian version of “The Voice,” sharing her expertise with aspiring singers. Her presence on television has helped her connect with audiences in new ways and expand her influence beyond the music industry.
Advocacy and Social Impact
Anitta’s influence goes beyond entertainment. She has used her platform to speak out on important social issues, including LGBTQ+ rights, feminism, and environmental conservation. As an openly bisexual artist, Anitta has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights in Brazil, a country where the community often faces discrimination and violence. She frequently uses her social media platforms to raise awareness about social and political issues, encouraging her fans to stay informed and engaged.
Anitta is also an entrepreneur, with various business ventures, including her own management company, Rodamoinho Productions, which she founded to have more control over her career. She’s been involved in the production, direction, and choreography of many of her music videos, showcasing her talent and business acumen beyond performing.
Legacy and Impact
Anitta’s rise to fame is a testament to her determination, talent, and ability to adapt and innovate. From her humble beginnings in Rio de Janeiro to becoming a global pop star, she has consistently pushed boundaries, both musically and culturally. Her success has paved the way for other Brazilian and Latin American artists to achieve international recognition.
Known for her bold fashion choices, energetic performances, and ability to seamlessly blend genres, Anitta has become a symbol of Brazilian pop culture. Her impact on the music industry is undeniable, and her journey continues to inspire young artists around the world. As she continues to expand her career, there’s no doubt that Anitta’s influence will only grow, cementing her legacy as the Queen of Brazilian Pop.
Also Read: