Zé Keti

Biography

Zé Keti, born José Flores de Jesus on September 16th, 1921, in Rio de Janeiro's Inhaúma neighborhood, was a Brazilian samba singer and songwriter known for his poignant compositions that captured life in Rio's favelas. He began performing in the 1940s with Portela samba school and composed Carnival marches, including "Se o feio doesse" (If ugliness hurts). His life served as inspiration for Nelson Pereira dos Santos' film "Rio, Zona Norte", while his music remains a testament to his unique voice.