Anitta, born Larissa de Macedo Machado on March 30, 1993, in Rio de Janeiro, has evolved from a local funk star into a prominent global music sensation. Her rise from Brazil’s vibrant favelas to the international stage is a story of talent, hard work, and a keen understanding of musical trends.
Early beginnings and rising star
Anitta’s journey began with a love for funk carioca, a genre deeply rooted in Brazilian culture. Her breakthrough came with the 2013 single ‘Show das Poderosas‘, a track that not only introduced her to a broader audience but also showcased her unique style.
The music video for the song drew significant inspiration from Beyoncé’s iconic performances, blending powerful visuals with energetic choreography.
Her debut self-titled album, released in 2013, was a commercial success and set the stage for her future endeavors.
Notable awards and accolades
Anitta’s career is marked by several prestigious awards that underscore her influence and success in the music industry. Some of her notable American awards include:
Latin Grammy Awards: In 2019, Anitta won the Latin Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Pop Album for her album “Kisses,” an acknowledgment of her versatility and impact on Latin pop.
MTV Europe Music Awards: Anitta received the MTV EMA for Best Brazilian Act in 2015 and later won the MTV EMA for Best Latin American Act in 2017, further solidifying her international presence.
Billboard Latin Music Awards: Her single ‘Paradinha’ won the Billboard Latin Music Award for Best Latin Pop Song in 2018, highlighting her crossover appeal in the Latin music scene.
International Collaborations
One of the key factors in Anitta’s international success is her impressive array of collaborations with global artists. These partnerships have expanded her reach, showcased her ability to blend diverse musical styles and introduced her to diverse audiences around the world. Singing in Portuguese, English and/or Spanish, notable collaborations include:
‘Sim ou Não’ with Maluma (2016), the song blends elements of reggaeton and Latin pop, and it became quite popular in Latin America and beyond.
‘Sua Cara’ with Major Lazer and Pabllo Vittar (2017), this song was a major hit in Brazil and beyond, blending Anitta’s funk style with Major Lazer’s signature electronic sound.
‘Downtown’ with J Balvin (2017), this reggaeton track was a commercial success and marked a significant step in Anitta’s international career.
‘Rosa’ with Prince Royce (2019), another successful collaboration, this song further established Anitta’s presence in the Latin music scene.
‘Banana’ with Becky G (2019), this vibrant track combined Anitta’s funk roots with Becky G’s Latin pop influence, gaining significant international attention.
‘Faz Gostoso’ with Madonna (2019), the track is a remix of Anitta’s original song from her album Kisses and incorporates Madonna’s distinct touch. In May 2024, the two artists shared the same stage for a memorable performance at Madonna’s show in Rio de Janeiro during her Celebration Tour.
‘Me Gusta’ with Cardi B and Myke Towers (2019). The music video for this song was filmed partially in Rio de Janeiro and Salvador and it drew a parallel to Michael Jackson’s ‘They Don’t Care About Us’, which was also filmed in those same cities in the 1990s.
Beyond these artists, Anitta has also collaborated with other international artists, such as Alesso, Swae Lee, Chris Marshall, Iggy Azalea, Snoop Dogg, Farruko, Peso Pluma, Rita Ora, Zedd, The Black Eyed Peas, Alex Sensation, Luis Fonsi, Missy Elliott, Saweetie, TXT, Sam Smith, The Weeknd and others.
These collaborations underscore Anitta’s ability to cross cultural and linguistic barriers, positioning her as a truly global artist.
Breakthrough and global impact
Anitta’s international success is marked by several significant achievements. Her single ‘Envolver’, released in 2021, became a global hit, topping charts in multiple countries and demonstrating her appeal in English-speaking markets. The song’s success highlighted Anitta’s ability to captivate a broad audience with her distinctive sound and style.
She has performed at prestigious venues and events, including a notable concert at Coachella in 2022, where she showcased her dynamic stage presence and earned acclaim from both fans and critics.
The NFL halftime show performance in Brazil
Another significant milestone in Anitta’s career will occur on September 6, 2024, when she performs at the NFL halftime show at Arena Neo Química in São Paulo. This is a prestigious event and another great opportunity for her to further enhance her global presence.
Anitta’s journey from a local funk artist to an international superstar reflects her exceptional talent, innovative spirit, and ability to connect with audiences worldwide.
Her story is a compelling example of how Brazilian music and culture are making a significant impact on the global stage, offering a glimpse into the rich and dynamic world of Brazilian entertainment.
Anitta’s bold new venture: intimate fragrance launch
Anitta is a highly observant artist, and beyond her music career, she is also a savvy businesswoman.
In a mysterious turn of events, she has launched a somewhat controversial product: a fragrance designed for the intimate areas of both men and women. In this video, she explains the product a little bit.