Here are some playlists, podcasts, and videos that’ll get you hooked on forró music
Here’s a playlist I (Danielle) put together of some of my favorites:
The OG: Luis Gonzaga
Luiz Gonzaga (1912–1989), often called the “King of Baião”, was one of Brazil’s most influential musicians. Born in the northeastern state of Pernambuco, he popularized regional musical styles such as baião, xote, and forró across the country.
Gonzaga’s work laid the foundation for modern forró music and influenced generations of Brazilian artists. Today, he remains a cultural icon and one of the most important figures in Brazilian popular music.
The new era: João Gomes
João Gomes (born 2002) is a Brazilian singer from Serrita, Pernambuco who has become one of the leading voices of contemporary forró and piseiro, a modern northeastern Brazilian music style.
His music blends traditional northeastern influences—including the legacy of Luiz Gonzaga—with contemporary rhythms and production.
Madison’s very own Forró Fo Sho
Madison is fortunate to have something many cities our size do not: a local band that regularly performs authentic forró music, including lots of Luis Gonzaga classics.
Take a deep dive
Learn more about the history and musicology of forró in depth with these podcast episodes:
Madison Forró 