Milton Nascimento (born 26 October, 1942) is a Brazilian songwriter, singer… Read Full Bio ↴Milton Nascimento (born 26 October, 1942) is a Brazilian songwriter, singer, and guitarist, who is considered one of the foremost icons of Brazilian popular music. His work spans a multitude of genres, from contemporary folk to jazz, and is often rooted in the traditional and indigenous music of the country.

Nascimento was born in Rio de Janeiro, and grew up in Três Pontas, Minas Gerais. His mother was the maid Maria do Carmo Nascimento. When he was just a few months old, the boy was adopted by the family for whom his mother had previously worked: the couple Josino Brito Campos (a banker, mathematics teacher and electronic technician) and Lília Silva Campos (a music teacher). He lived in the boroughs of Laranjeiras and Tijuca in Rio de Janeiro. When he was 18 months old, his biological mother died and he moved with his adoptive parents to the city of Três Pontas, in the State of Minas Gerais.

In the earlier stages of his career, Nascimento played in two samba groups, Evolussamba and Sambacana. In 1963 he moved to Belo Horizonte, and his friendship with the Borges brothers (Marilton, Márcio e Lô Borges) led to the Clube da Esquina ("corner club") movement. Other members included Beto Guedes, Toninho Horta, Wagner Tiso, and Flavio Venturini.

Nascimento is famous for his chime-clear falsetto and tonal range, as well for highly acclaimed songs such as "Canção da América" ("Song from America") and "Coração de Estudante" ("Student's Heart"). The lyrics of "Coração de Estudante" remembers the funeral of the student Edson Luís, killed by police officers in 1968. The song became the hymn for the diretas Já campaign in 1984 and it was also played in the funeral of the late president Tancredo Neves the next year, who died before assuming the presidency.

While his reputation within Brazil was firmly established with his Clube da Esquina works, Nascimento's international breakthrough came with his appearance on jazz saxophonist Wayne Shorter's 1974 album "Native Dancer". This led to widespread acclaim, and collaborations with American stars such as Paul Simon, James Taylor, and Pat Metheny.

Through his friendship with guitarist Warren Cuccurullo, Nascimento came to work with the pop-rock band Duran Duran in 1993. Nascimento co-wrote and performed (in the Portuguese language) the song "Breath After Breath", featured on the band's 1993 album "Duran Duran". He also performed with the band in concert when they toured in Brazil, in support of that album. Nascimento earned a Grammy award for "Best World Music Album" in 1998 for his album "Nascimento", and was also nominated in 1991 and 1995.

Mas que nada
Milton Nascimento Lyrics

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Ô ariá raô
Oba, oba, oba
Ô ariá raô
Oba, oba, oba

Mas que nada
Sai da minha frente
Que eu quero passar

Pois o samba está animado
E o que eu quero é sambar

Esse samba
Que é misto de maracatu
É samba de preto velho
Samba de preto tu

Mas que nada
Um samba como este tão legal
Você não vai querer
Que eu chegue no final

Ô ariá raô
Oba, oba, oba
Ô ariá laô
Oba, oba, oba

Mas que nada
Um samba como esse tão legal
Você não vai querer
Que eu chegue no final

Ô ariá raô
Oba, oba, oba
Ô ariá raô
Oba, oba, oba

Mas que nada
Sai da minha frente
Que eu quero passar
Pois o samba está animado
E o que eu quero é sambar

Esse samba
Que é misto de maracatu
É samba de preto velho
Samba de preto tu

Mas que nada
Um samba como esse tão legal
Você não vai querer
Que eu chegue no final

Oba, oba, oba
Oba, oba, oba
Oba, oba, oba
Oba, oba, oba
Oba, oba, oba

Oba, oba, oba
Oba, oba, oba

Overall Meaning

The song "Mas Que Nada" is a classic samba tune that exudes energy and excitement. The opening lyrics of "Ô ariá raô / Oba, oba, oba" set the tone for the lively rhythms and upbeat lyrics that follow. The first stanza asserts the singer's desire to dance, declaring the need to move forward and engage in the joyous atmosphere of the samba. The second acknowledges the unique blend of musical styles that make up the samba, identifying its roots in maracatu and black African culture.

The refrain, "Mas que nada," serves as a reminder that this is no ordinary samba. The singer urges the listener to embrace the unique qualities of this particular tune and enjoy it to the fullest, encouraging them not to miss out on the fun. The repetition of "Ô ariá raô / Oba, oba, oba" emphasizes the festive and rhythmic aspects of the music. The final repetition of "Mas que nada" serves as a final call to action, an invitation to join in the celebration and feel the joy of the samba.

Overall, the song's lyrics capture the essence of Brazilian samba culture. It celebrates the vibrant rhythms, the rich cultural heritage, and the communal spirit of dancing and singing together. From its catchy refrain to its blending of multiple musical traditions, "Mas Que Nada" remains a timeless classic that continues to delight listeners around the world.

Line by Line Meaning

Ô ariá raô
Expressing excitement and enthusiasm

Oba, oba, oba
Expressing joy and happiness

Mas que nada
But of course

Sai da minha frente
Get out of my way

Que eu quero passar
Because I want to pass

Pois o samba está animado
As the samba is lively

E o que eu quero é sambar
And what I want to do is dance samba

Esse samba
This samba

Que é misto de maracatu
That is a mix of maracatu

É samba de preto velho
Is the samba of the elder blacks

Samba de preto tu
The samba of your people