Jão

João Vitor Romania Balbino, known professionally as Jão, is a Brazilian singer and songwriter born on November 3, 1994, in Américo Brasiliense, São Paulo. Raised in a musically inclined family, Jão was inspired by iconic Brazilian artists such as Marisa Monte and Cazuza. From a young age, he gravitated toward music, composing and producing songs in his bedroom. Although initially pursuing a degree in Advertising at the University of São Paulo, Jão’s passion for music led him to focus more on his artistry, where he began sharing covers of popular songs on YouTube in 2016. This effort quickly garnered attention from both fans and industry professionals, marking the beginning of his music career.

In 2018, Jão released his debut album, Lobos, which featured the hit single “Imaturo.” The song gained massive traction, reaching number one on Spotify Brazil’s Viral chart. This success set the stage for Jão’s rise in the Brazilian music scene, with the album showcasing his ability to blend pop and Brazilian music styles while capturing the complexities of young love and self-discovery. His distinctive voice and relatable lyrics resonated deeply with listeners, establishing him as a fresh and authentic voice in Brazilian pop music.

Building on the success of Lobos, Jão released his second album, Anti-Herói, in 2019. The album was bolstered by popular singles like “Enquanto Me Beija” and “Essa Eu Fiz pro Nosso Amor,” both of which dominated the Brazilian charts and became anthems for fans of the genre. The album further solidified Jão’s reputation for creating emotionally charged pop music, with tracks that reflected his journey of self-expression and personal growth. His sound continued to evolve, merging traditional Brazilian elements with contemporary pop influences.

In 2021, Jão released his third album, Pirata, which was widely praised for its introspective lyrics and dynamic sound. The album featured the single “Idiota,” which became a chart-topping success in Brazil and Portugal. Pirata was nominated for Latin Grammy awards, earning recognition for Best Portuguese Language Contemporary Pop Album and Best Portuguese Language Song. In 2023, Jão released his fourth album, Super, continuing his exploration of heartfelt pop and personal storytelling. Outside of his music, Jão is known for his openness about his sexuality, identifying as bisexual and maintaining a long-term relationship with creative director Pedro Tófani. His authenticity, both in his music and personal life, has made him a beloved figure in the Brazilian music industry.