A powerful voice emerged in Brazilian pop music. It belonged to a singer who carved space for herself when few trans women held microphones on national stages. Her journey established a new identity, both artistically and personally.
Known professionally as Candy Mel or simply MEL, these monikers became symbols of bold performance. They represented unapologetic self-expression within Brazil’s vibrant entertainment landscape.
Her sound was a unique mix. She blended tecnobrega rhythms with pop melodies. This created music that moved bodies and shifted perceptions at the same time.
Her rise began with the trio Banda Uó. The group gained national recognition for their genre-blending music and vibrant visual style. This period marked a significant step in her career.
She later became the first trans woman to front major brand campaigns in Brazil. This marked a pivotal shift in advertising representation and visibility for the community.
After the group’s separation, she embarked on a successful solo career. Her work continues to challenge norms and create new possibilities for trans performers.
Early Life and Personal Beginnings
Before the stages and microphones, there was a childhood in central Brazil marked by both love and struggle. Mel Gonçalves entered the world on December 14, 1991, in Goiânia, Goiás.
Childhood Influences and Family Background
The Jardim Brasil neighborhood shaped her early years. She was raised by her aunt and grandmother, creating a tight-knit family foundation.
This household provided safety amid external challenges. Their support became crucial as she navigated a society often hostile to difference.
| Age | Life Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1991 | Born | Goiânia, Brazil |
| Childhood | Raised by aunt & grandmother | Jardim Brasil neighborhood |
| 16 years | Publicly claimed identity | Goiás state |
Embracing Identity and Overcoming Prejudice
At sixteen, she publicly claimed her identity as a trans woman. This act required immense courage in 2000s Brazil.
Prejudice had shadowed her childhood and teenage years. Yet her personal history fueled a professional purpose centered on visibility.
The artist’s identity became her artistic foundation. It informed the authentic presence she would later bring to national stages.
Musical Journey and Career Milestones with Mel Gonçalves
São Paulo became the launching pad for a trio whose colorful, campy performances would redefine pop music in Brazil. The artist, alongside Mateus Carrilho and Davi Sabbag, moved there in 2011 to form Banda Uó.
Their sound mixed pop with tecnobrega rhythms. This created a fresh alternative to the dominant sertanejo genre from their home state.
As the charismatic vocalist, her stage presence gave the band political weight. Her identity made every performance a statement.
Rise to Fame with Banda Uó
Banda Uó gained national recognition for their adventurous style. The group’s unapologetically queer aesthetic stood out in Brazil’s music scene.
Pioneering Campaigns and Media Appearances
In 2016, she broke new ground as the first trans woman to front a major Avon campaign. The #EuUsoAssim initiative combined beauty with breast cancer awareness.
That same year, she joined TV Brasil’s Estação Plural. The program focused on diversity and human rights with an all-LGBT presenter team.
Transition to a Solo Career
After the band’s 2018 separation, she embarked on solo work. Collaborations with carnival group Domingo Ela Não Vai showcased her axé music skills.
Her film debut came with Vento Seco in 2020. The LGBTQIA+ themed feature was selected for the Berlin International Film Festival.
| Year | Career Milestone | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Formed Banda Uó in São Paulo | National breakthrough with technopop sound |
| 2016 | Avon campaign & TV Brasil show | First trans woman in major brand ads |
| 2020 | Film debut in Vento Seco | Berlin International Film Festival selection |
| 2024 | Banda Uó reunion | Collaboration with Gaby Amarantos |
| 2025 | Solo album “5Estrelas” | Featured leading queer artists |
The 2024 Banda Uó reunion showed enduring creative bonds. Their collaboration with Gaby Amarantos on “Me Libera” delighted fans.
In May 2025, she released her first solo album “5Estrelas.” The work features collaborations with four prominent queer artists, positioning her among Brazil’s leading musical voices.
Impact, Representation, and Cultural Contributions
Visibility became a deliberate strategy in Mel Gonçalves’ career, expanding possibilities for trans women across Brazilian media. Each professional move carried significance beyond entertainment.
Breaking Barriers in the Entertainment Industry
The 2016 Avon campaign marked a watershed moment. Beauty brands had rarely acknowledged trans consumers before this national advertisement.
Her role on TV Brasil’s Estação Plural extended this advocacy. The program created space for conversations about rights and identity with an all-LGBT presenting team.
Artistic choices reflected a broader project of normalization. Genre-blending music and bold fashion celebrated trans lives through creative expression.
In 2022, she publicly identified as demisexual via Twitter. This contributed to visibility for sexual orientations beyond traditional binaries.
Her 2025 revelation about practicing Candomblé showed spiritual evolution. This Afro-Brazilian religion connected her to Black Brazilian cultural roots, having previously been part of the Baptist Church.
The artist’s impact comes from sustained presence across multiple platforms. This multifaceted approach creates pathways while fulfilling creative ambitions.
Looking Forward: Legacy and Future Prospects
‘5Estrelas’ arrived as both an artistic statement and a celebration of queer Brazilian talent. The album’s concept united four collaborators with Mel Gonçalves as the fifth star. This framework emphasized community over individual achievement.
Working with Liniker, MC Tha, Jup do Bairro, and Rico Dalasam created a powerful collective voice. Each artist represents different facets of Brazil’s LGBTQIA+ music landscape. Their collaboration signals growing respect for trans artists in entertainment.
Mel Gonçalves maintains roots in carnival culture and axé music. This connection to grassroots expression balances her rising national profile. She demonstrates that success need not mean abandoning communal joy.
Challenges persist for trans performers in Brazil. Yet her career proves that talent, once recognized, cannot be ignored. Her legacy builds with each performance that centers authentic presence.
The image endures: a stage shared with collaborators, voice strong, presence undeniable. Representation becomes not charity but rightful acknowledgment of artistry that was always there.
