Zé Nigro’s “Silêncio” Featuring Arthur Verocai, Souto MC, Saulo Duarte & Russo Passapusso: A Reflection on Sound and Silence

Zé Nigro, a celebrated music producer, composer, and arranger from São Paulo, is set to release his highly anticipated second solo album Silêncio on 17th October 2024. Known for his ability to masterfully bridge the gap between the studio and the stage, Nigro has invited a stellar lineup of collaborators for this project, including renowned Brazilian musician and arranger Arthur Verocai, rapper Souto MC, singer Saulo Duarte, and multi-talented artist Russo Passapusso.

Having won two Latin Grammys and earned several platinum certifications, Zé Nigro has cemented his place as a driving force in contemporary Brazilian music. His latest offering, Silêncio, is a continuation of the artistic journey begun with his debut album Apocalip Se (2021). As Nigro explains, the songs on this new album are a mix of previously unreleased material and pieces that evolved during live performances with his band.

“The songs have come to life. I feel more confident about doing my own thing now. I want to propose a listening experience focused on silence and the hidden subtleties that reveal themselves in life.”

He shares,

Nigro’s journey into Silêncio is deeply introspective, much like his debut. He reflects on how the new album’s cover art symbolizes openness and an absorption of the world’s natural beauty. His process of creating the instrumental foundation for the album, including one track inspired by birdsongs at dawn, shows his devotion to connecting with nature and understanding its messages. Nigro collaborated with poet Eveline Sin, whose lyrical contributions years later complemented the intricate arrangements brought to life by over 20 musicians, including his longtime collaborator, Dustan Gallas.

The album is filled with rich, textured compositions. Nigro views the voice as a “fascinating harmonic instrument,” an approach reflected in his work as both a producer and a vocalist. His collaborations with acclaimed Brazilian artists such as Russo Passapusso, Curumin, and Anelis Assumpção, have shaped his distinctive style—melding traditional Brazilian rhythms with modern production techniques. Tracks like Reaction, a reimagining of Bob Marley’s classic, showcase his ability to breathe new life into familiar sounds while maintaining their poetic depth.

Zé Nigro’s previous accolades include producing Liniker’s Indigo Borboleta Anil (2022), which won the Latin Grammy for Best MPB Album, and engineering João Donato’s Serotonina (2023), which also received Latin Grammy recognition. His work on Curumin’s Boca (2017) and Francisco el Hombre’s SoltasBruxa (2016) earned him additional award nominations and further solidified his reputation in the Brazilian music scene.

With Silêncio, Zé Nigro continues his sonic exploration, blending rich, layered melodies with powerful collaborations, offering a profound listening experience that reflects his growth as an artist and his ongoing dedication to innovation in Brazilian music.