Clara Nunes: Queen of Samba

Witness History

Singer Clara Nunes is an icon of African Brazilian culture and known as the Queen of Samba.

Her first samba song Ê Baiana was released in 1973.

In 1974, the release of the song Conto de Areia secured her a place in history. Clara sold more records than any other Brazilian woman had before.

She's considered to be one of the greatest samba singers of her generation. She died in 1983.

Brazilian radio broadcaster and samba record producer Adelzon Alves worked with Clara. He tells Gill Kearsley Clara’s story.

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(Photo: Clara Nunes in 1974. Credit: Gilbert Girbaldi/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)