Beloved Brazilian Singer João Gomes Performs Historic Show In Rio

At just 23 years old, João Gomes has captured Brazil’s heart — and proved it during a free concert for 80,000 people at the Arcos da Lapa, one of Rio de Janeiro’s most iconic landmarks, this Sunday (Oct. 26). The singer recorded a historic DVD featuring some of the biggest names in Brazilian music, including Ivete Sangalo and Zeca Pagodinho, alongside close collaborators Jota.pê and Mestrinho, as well as Dorgival Dantas, MC Cabelinho, L7nnon and BK’, Rua Vitor Vaqueirinho and more.

The 36°C heat didn’t deter fans who gathered near the big screens. Held in partnership with Riotur, the event featured large-scale infrastructure, including a full stage setup, public services, accessibility measures and a special security and mobility plan for the crowd that packed the Arcos.

Even with a delay of about an hour, the crowd was thrilled by the charisma and easygoing nature typical of the young artist from Pernambuco.

“Calm down, folks! The piseiro is about to start,” João Gomes said as he took the stage.

To open the show, the singer appeared on stage with his son, Jorge, and performed a song dedicated to him. His wife, Ary Mirelle, later joined them on stage.

Next, João invited Tarcisio do Acordeon to join the celebration on a stage designed to resemble a beach, followed by accordionist Mestrinho and singer Jota.pê, close friends who helped create the album Dominguinho. After that, Ivete Sangalo and Zeca Pagodinho made the Rio audience erupt with excitement as they sang samba classics alongside João.

Check out some highlights from João Gomes’ show below.

João Gomes now has over 16.5 million followers. With his charisma and numerous collaborations, the artist is no longer seen merely as a piseiro singer — he has become a kind of “Midas” of Brazilian music. Every project the young artist takes part in turns into a major success.

In early 2025, the project Dominguinho was born, in collaboration with Latin Grammy winner Jota.pê and accordionist Mestrinho. The album inspired a special tour and earned several award nominations.

“João Gomes has a sound that builds bridges between the tradition and the future of Brazilian music,” said Barbara Teixeira, executive producer of Tiny Desk Brasil, in an interview with G1 about João’s selection to open the Brazilian edition of the program.

At the Arcos da Lapa, piseiro echoed like a love cry to the nation — and João Gomes wrote yet another unforgettable chapter in the history of Brazilian music.