Although his songs celebrate the people of Bahia and he himself is enshrined in the popular Brazilian imagination as the archetypal Bahian, he moved to Rio de Janeiro to find fame in the 1930's and never moved back to Bahia.
He became a contemporary and sometimes rival of composer Ary Barroso and enjoyed a lifelong friendship with Bahian author Jorge Amado. Dorival Caymmi first achieved success in the late 1930s with Carmen Miranda, for whom he composed 'O Que é Que a Baiana Tem?'. He recorded for five decades, both singing solo with his own guitar accompaniment, and backed by bands and orchestras. In the 1960s many of his songs were covered by bossa nova pioneer João Gilberto, and he collaborated with Antonio Carlos Jobim. Among the many musicians heavily influenced by Dorival Caymmi are Caetano Veloso and Gilberto Gil.
Dorival Caymmi passed away at age 94 on August 16, 2008 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, of multiple organ failure. He is survived by three children, all of whom are in the prominent musicians: Nana, Danilo and Dori Caymmi.
Canto De Nanã
Dorival Caymmi Lyrics
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De noite até de manhã – iê
Ouvi cantá pra Nanã
The lyrics of Dorival Caymmi's "Canto De Nanã" speak of the night, and how from night until morning, one can hear a song being sung to the goddess Nanã. Nanã is revered in African and Afro-Brazilian religions as the mother of the earth and is associated with the cycle of life and death. The song is an ode to her and the lyrics express a deep reverence and respect for the goddess.
The repetitive and rhythmic nature of the lyrics of "Canto De Nanã" suggest a trance-like state, which is often associated with religious rituals. The song creates a sense of being transported to a spiritual realm, where one can feel the presence of Nanã and connect with her power. The use of the word "iê" throughout the song is a common expression used in Afro-Brazilian religious rituals and is meant to invoke the spirits and the divine.
Contributed by Daniel N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
dionemorais1
Amo esse canto!