Nilze Carvalho, born Albenise de Carvalho Ricardo on July 28, 1969, in Nova
Iguaçu, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is a singer and composer. She began playing the
cavaquinho at age five and had her first public performances at six. From 1981
to 1983, she released four albums titled Choro de menina as a mandolinist. At
15, Carvalho embarked on an international career, touring through Europe, China,
Australia, the United States, and Japan. She has collaborated alongside major
names in Brazilian and pop music including Nei Lopes, Zeca Pagodinho, and Nelson
Sargento.