Martha Luizza—born Marta Luiza Cardoso in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais—is a singer-songwriter known for her ability to balance the sounds of samba, the acrobatics of capoeira, and the colors of carnival in each performance. With its creative mix of samba, reggae, and salsa, the Bahia-based band Olodum ranks among her top musical influences from Brazil. Like Olodum, Bahia’s culture radiates through Luizza’s music with a cool, harmonically complex blend of bossa nova, axe, and pop.

Since 2001, Luizza has performed at some of the top venues in South Florida, such as Nikki Beach, Revolution Live, and Club Cinema. In 2006, she co-wrote the song “Perfume de Mar”—translated as “Scent of the Sea” in English—with her friend Joao Carlos Serra. The pair placed third for best Brazilian song of the year at Miami’s MPB Festival.

Luizza’s producer Felipe Tchauer has worked with some of the biggest names in music including Paulin Rubio, Mana, Christina Aguilera, and Beyoncé. Raul Abramzon, who translated the work of Grammy Award-winning Brazilian singer and composer Roberto Carlos, has named Luizza’s music “The new Brazilian flavor.”

In addition to her many accomplishments, Luizza has pursued work as a promoter, in fashion design, and as an actor. She recently attended the New York Film Academy and has translated her music in three languages: Portuguese, English, and Spanish.

Luizza is currently performing at various venues throughout the New Jersey and New York area. As a part of her newly designed show Brazil Na Lata, Luizza will deliver a unique twist to her upbeat, percussive track “Vem pra Ca,” which has proved to be a fan favorite.