Gilberto Gil

Gilberto Gil is one of the pioneers of Brazil's late '60s Tropicalia movement, a cosmopolitan mix of Latin, World, pop and rock styles. Gil, who spearheaded the movement with Caetano Veloso, usually takes a more grounded, less artsy approach than his old friend. He also has mastered every style he has utilized in his music. A brilliant songwriter with an amazing voice, he can do justice to his homeland's Samba and Bossa Nova styles, then change pace with a high-octane Funk workout before digging into reggae. His skill and obvious love for different music never makes him seem like a performer who wears too many hats. Gil has been a part of the Brazilian music scene since the late 1950s and has become a star throughout the globe.