One of Rio de Janeiro’s most exciting singer-songwriters of the last fifteen years is now living in Los Angeles, where he stands on the verge of an overdue American breakthrough. Rogê—born Roger José Cury—gained an avid following for his swinging samba-funk, tinged with Brazilian Soul. His acclaim rose when he cowrote the theme song for the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil.

Seu Zé is the first new music from the Brazilian artist since the release of his debut American-made album, Curyman, in March of 2023. Lavishly produced by the Budos Band’s Thomas Brenneck, a top session guitarist and collaborator with the stars (Lady Gaga, Beyoncé & Jay-Z, Amy Winehouse), Seu Zé is meant to capture the spirit of the people on the streets. It’s a “Partido Alto” kind of samba that has its origins in the religious parties in rural communities where jongo (a style of music deeply rooted in Africa) was played. Brazilian energy has a universal ability to inspire and Rogê continues to accomplish this through his music and performance masterfully.