Leo Middea

Early life Middea was born on 27 April 1995 in Taquara, in the suburbs of Rio de Janeiro. He grew up in a musically inclined family; his maternal grandparents performed on local live radio shows, while his paternal grandparents were known for their vocal harmonies. He taught himself the violão (acoustic guitar) at the age of 14, focusing on Brazilian folk music and bossa nova. At 17, he furthered his technical development through classical guitar studies under renowned Brazilian professor Henrique Pinto, attending guitar symposiums, workshops, and masterclasses.

Career Early career and Dois (2014–2019) Middea launched his musical career in 2014 with his debut studio album Dois, released when he was 19 years old. That same year, at the age of 18, he embarked on his first international tour with approximately 23 concerts across Argentina. His second studio album, A Dança do Mundo, was released in 2016. In 2020, he released two studio albums: Vicentina, produced in Lisbon and named after a woman who had predicted when he was just four years old that he would become a musician, and Beleza Isolar, recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic and reflecting on the isolation and transformation of that period.

In 2022, Middea was invited to open two concerts for French singer Sheila at the Salle Pleyel in Paris, performing before audiences of 2,000. He was also invited by the Prime Minister of Portugal to perform at the official concert commemorating the Bicentennial of Brazil's Independence. That same year, he received the Prémio Embaixadores in the Music category, recognising his role in promoting Brazilian and Portuguese culture across Europe.

Artistry Middea's music blends MPB, bossa nova, samba, samba-canção, folk music and contemporary Brazilian pop, with influences from jazz and funk. He cites Gilberto Gil, Caetano Veloso, and Jorge Ben Jor as his primary influences, particularly appreciating the latter for the apparent simplicity that conceals the depth of his lyrics. His songwriting frequently draws on themes of identity, travel, love, and the Brazilian diaspora experience in Europe.

Personal life Following the death of his father in 2015, Middea spent time in India on a silent retreat. He has lived between Lisbon and Barcelona for much of his adult life, and his experience as a Brazilian living in Europe deeply informs his music and lyrics. After several years of residency in Portugal, he obtained Portuguese citizenship.

Discography Studio albums Title Year Notes Dois 2014 Debut album; recorded in Brazil A Dança do Mundo 2016 Recorded in Brazil Vicentina 2020 Recorded in Lisbon Beleza Isolar 2020 Recorded in Lisbon during the COVID-19 pandemic Gente 2023 Produced by Breno Virícimo; recorded in Amsterdam Notícias de Puglia 2025 Recorded on tour across multiple countries