Born on August 22, 1948, in Belo Horizonte, Francisco Mário de Figueiredo Souza, aka Chico Mário, was one of the great forerunners of independent music in Brazil, at a time when record companies dominated the music market. He was also one of the precursors of crowdfunding in the country, releasing “Revolta dos Palhaços”, in 1980, with money from 200 people who bought the record even before it was produced. In 1986, he released the book “Como fazer um disco independente (How to make an independent record)”, considered to be the first of its kind in the country.

Younger brother of sociologist Betinho and cartoonist Henfil, he made history in Brazilian music. In all, there are 89 compositions, in eight independent discs. He also elaborated a music teaching method for children, using colors, and published children’s stories in Recreio magazine. His first album, “Terra”, released in 1979, received great praise from poet Carlos Drummond de Andrade. In 1987 he wrote his last works: “Dança do Mar”, “Suíte Brasil” and “Tempo”. Chico’s work and life are intertwined with the country’s own political, social, and cultural history.