Marcelo Jeneci rose to prominence in the Brazilian music scene with Feito pra Acabar, his critically acclaimed debut album, released in 2010. A singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, he was born on April 7, 1982, in São Paulo, and grew up in Guaianases, in the eastern part of the city. Before launching his solo career, he was a member of bands led by established artists such as Chico César and Arnaldo Antunes.
His musical training began at home, under the strong influence of his father, Manoel Jeneci, a native of Pernambuco who repaired musical instruments and electronic equipment. This workshop brought the young man into contact with musicians such as Toninho Ferragutti and Dominguinhos. It was Ferragutti who paved the way for him to join Chico César’s band, which at the time needed an accordionist who could also play the piano.
As a composer, Jeneci established notable collaborations with artists such as Vanessa da Mata, Arnaldo Antunes, Luiz Tatit, José Miguel Wisnik, and Chico César. Among the songs that boosted his profile is “Amado,” written in collaboration with Vanessa da Mata and made popular by the singer herself.
Produced by Kassin, Feito pra Acabar featured a standout performance by singer Laura Lavieri, who also appeared on De Graça, released in 2013. The second album was produced by Kassin and co-produced by Adriano Cintra (CSS, Madrid), solidifying Jeneci’s solo career and earning him a Latin Grammy nomination for Best Brazilian Popular Music Album in 2014.
In 2015, he released the song “Dia a Dia, Lado a Lado” with Tulipa Ruiz, a collaboration that also led to a joint tour. His third album, Guaia, was released in 2019, after a six-year hiatus from releasing new material. Featuring deep references to his roots, the album blended Northeastern rhythms with electronic textures, produced by Pedro Bernardes and co-produced by Jeneci and Lux Ferreira.
The connection to Northeastern Brazilian music took center stage even more in Caravana Sairé, released in 2023. The album revisits his family’s Pernambuco roots through a repertoire that includes compositions by Luiz Gonzaga, Dominguinhos, Antônio Barros, and Vital Farias, as well as collaborations between Jeneci himself and Chico César.
In 2024, he released Night Club Forró Latino (Volume I), featuring reinterpretations of hits from pop, sertanejo, pagode, and reggae with arrangements tailored to forró. Featuring guest appearances by João Gomes, Gaby Amarantos, and Chico César, the album was nominated for a Latin Grammy for Best Portuguese-Language Roots Album.
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