Simaria Mendes Rocha entered the world on June 16, 1982. Her story begins in Uibaí, a small town in the state of Bahia, Brazil.
In her home country, she is known simply by her first name. This mononym reflects her widespread recognition. Portuguese naming customs reveal her full identity. Mendes is her maternal family name, while Rocha comes from her father’s side.
Her musical talent defines her career. She is a skilled singer-songwriter and instrumentalist. Her primary focus is the sertanejo genre, a popular Brazilian style.
She gained national fame as one half of the duo Simone & Simaria. Fans affectionately called them “As Coleguinhas,” or The Little Friends. This partnership propelled her to significant popularity, marking her as a prominent figure in Brazilian music.
Early Life and Family Roots
The dusty roads of Uibaí, a small town in Brazil’s Bahia state, shaped the early years of the singer known as Simaria. Her humble beginnings in this northeastern region grounded her in a world where community and music were intertwined.
Origins in Uibaí, Bahia
Life in Uibaí was simple. The town’s atmosphere, rich with traditional sounds, provided a constant soundtrack. This environment naturally fostered a deep connection to Brazilian rhythms.
Family Background and Childhood
Her parents, Mara Mendes and Antonio Rocha, formed the core of her tight-knit family. This unit was her first source of strength and inspiration.
Tragedy struck in 1994 when Antonio died from a heart attack. The loss profoundly affected the entire family, forcing them to rely on each other more than ever.
She was not alone in navigating this difficult time. Her younger sister, Simone, was a constant companion. Their bond would later become the foundation of a legendary musical partnership.
Completing the family portrait was her younger brother, Caio Mendes. Together, they grew up surrounded by the vibrant culture of Bahia. This heritage of sound and rhythm would ultimately define her career path.
Musical Beginnings and Early Influences
Her professional journey began not as a soloist, but as part of the supporting chorus. In the 1990s, she joined the band of forró singer Frank Aguiar.
This role was a vital training ground. She learned the intricacies of harmony and the demands of the road.
Stage presence and vocal discipline became second nature during these formative years.
Backing Vocalist Days with Frank Aguiar
Working with Frank Aguiar was more than a job. It was a hands-on education in Brazilian music.
The prominent singer became a mentor. He shaped her understanding of the industry from the inside.
Aguiar has reflected on their time together. He noted the sisters’ strong wills and deep connection.
“They always fought,” he said, describing a familial dynamic. He saw them as daughters.
Defining Moments in the 90s
This period also influenced her sister, Simone. Seeing her sibling’s work inspired Simone to pursue singing.
Aguiar famously observed that “Simone doesn’t live without Simaria.” Their bond was the core of everything.
These experiences built immense confidence. They prepared her for the transition from background to lead performer.
The skills honed with Frank Aguiar laid the essential groundwork for her future success.
Transition from Forró do Muído to Duo Success
The year 2007 marked a turning point as they stepped from backup roles to center stage.
The Forró do Muído Era
Forró do Muído became their proving ground. The band showcased their vocal chemistry to northeastern audiences.
Traditional forró rhythms resonated deeply in Brazil’s nordeste region. They built a loyal following there.
The Birth of Simone & Simaria
In 2012, they made a bold career move. Leaving the band behind, they formed their own duo.
The partnership became known as Simone & Simaria. Fans affectionately called them “As Coleguinhas.”
Their music videos quickly gained hundreds of millions of views. The sister duo achieved massive commercial success across Brazil.
They shifted from regional forró to broader sertanejo sounds. This expansion brought them national and international recognition.
Simaria Mendes’s Solo Journey
The collaboration “Loka” with Anitta marked a pivotal moment in her career trajectory. This hit became the most-watched Brazilian music video, showcasing her versatility beyond traditional sertanejo sounds.
Venturing Beyond the Duo
In June 2022, she announced a pause from the duo to focus on her health. This decision sparked widespread speculation about the partnership’s future.
The official separation came on August 18, 2022. It ended a decade-long musical collaboration with her sister.
Both artists embarked on solo careers following the breakup. The division of shared assets marked a practical conclusion to their professional relationship.
Key Milestones in Her Career
Her solo work includes participation in De Angelo’s album “Chora Boy 2025.” This collaboration demonstrates her willingness to explore new musical directions.
The transition from duo to solo artist represents a significant evolution. It opens new creative possibilities for the established performer.
These recent years have shown her adaptability and artistic growth. She continues to build her legacy beyond the successful partnership.
Personal Life, Relationships, and Public Perception
Beyond the stage lights and chart-topping hits, the singer’s personal life has unfolded with its own complex rhythm. Her journey includes marriage, motherhood, and navigating relationships under intense public scrutiny.
Marriage, Divorce, and Family Dynamics
In 2007, the same year her musical career accelerated, she married Vicente Escrig. They connected on Orkut, a popular Brazilian social platform. Their union lasted 14 years and welcomed two children.
The marriage ended in divorce in 2021. Reports indicated she sought legal action to have her ex-husband removed from their shared home. This detail highlighted the challenging nature of their separation.
Her bond with her sister, Simone, has been a cornerstone. It has also been a frequent subject of media speculation. This was especially true during the duo’s professional pause in 2022.
Public and Media Insights
Fans and outlets closely watched for signs of conflict between the sisters. Some reports suggested tensions behind the scenes.
A significant moment came in August 2022. She attended the birthday party of her nephew, Henry. This public appearance helped quiet rumors of a lasting family feud.
These events show the balance between a public career and a private family life. They reveal the personal strength required behind a famous name.
Impact and Legacy in Sertanejo and Brazilian Music
Between 2012 and 2022, a sister duo redefined the soundscape of sertanejo, becoming a national phenomenon. Their work resonated from small northeastern towns to major urban centers.
Cultural Influence and Social Impact
The success of Simone & Simaria offered a powerful model of female partnership. They elevated women’s voices in a genre often led by men.
Their songs tackled themes of love and resilience. These messages of independence struck a deep chord with audiences across Brazil.
The duo’s digital presence was massive. Their music videos gathered hundreds of millions of views.
Recognition and Achievements
The collaboration “Loka” with Anitta became a certified hit. Pro-Música Brasil recognized its commercial success.
This track highlighted their ability to blend traditional sounds with modern pop appeal.
Even after their separation, the music of this influential duo continues to shape Brazilian popular culture. Their legacy is measured in both records and cultural shift.
Final Reflections and Future Prospects
The journey from Bahia’s small towns to Brazil’s biggest stages represents more than just geographical distance. It traces an artist’s evolution through collaboration, challenge, and self-discovery.
Early lessons with Frank Aguiar built the foundation. The decade-long partnership with her sister, as the duo also known as “As Coleguinhas,” brought national fame. Their separation marked a turning point.
Now working under her own name, the singer explores new directions. Collaborations like the album Chora Boy 2025 showcase her individuality. The bond with her sister remains strong despite professional changes.
Future prospects include potential DVD releases and live performances. Each new project carries the promise of artistic growth. She stands ready to write the next chapter, microphone in hand.
