Mantiqueira: a territory sung by Nádia Campos

In her latest EP, Nádia Campos invites you to explore the Serra da Mantiqueira like a trail: with pause, attention, and respect. Independently distributed by Tratore, Mantiqueira (2025) is a poetic journey through the "mountain that cries," as the artist evokes when she rediscovers the origin of its name in Tupi.

Through the sounds of nature, indigenous rattles, and the viola, the EP reconstructs the territory from the perspective of those who revere it. There's a sonic delicacy, reminiscent of those who perceive the surrounding environment and allow themselves to be affected by it.

Voices of the mountains

The artist's respect for the indigenous peoples of that land is evident. In the very first track, which bears the EP's title, Nádia recounts the indigenous legend that gave Mantiqueira the nickname "dripping mountain."

Furthermore, in Origens, the use of rattles evokes the indigenous presence there. At the same time, the use of the guitar evokes the rural culture present in the mountains, which extends throughout the interior of São Paulo, Minas Gerais, and Rio de Janeiro.

Country legend has it that the arrival of a hummingbird heralds a visit. Thus, while peasants often experience the loneliness depicted in Bacurau Traquina, they can find joy in a simple hummingbird, as shown in the light and sunny Pequenos Voos.

Flowers that do not wither, rivers that continue, paths that do not end

Love is also a theme on Nádia Campos' new EP. In the track "Sempre Viva," the name of the plant that never withers is related to the desire to remain by someone's side through the line "I just want to be with you for life."

One of the features that enhances the EP's quality is that of lyricists Bené Fonteles and Dércio Marques, responsible for the track "Por um Fio/Alma de Rio." Among the lyrical devices, the alliteration of the consonants "v" and "z" stands out, contributing to the idea of a river's fluidity.

Closing the album, "Canção do Caminho" is a farewell that invites us to continue. The line "Caminho, andar, horizonte" leads us to understand that the road continues beyond the final track— we just need to listen to our heart's voice.

Mantiqueira is an EP that demonstrates Nádia Campos' maturity and artistic sensitivity, embracing the natural landscapes and people who give life to the mountains. An essential work for anyone who wants to hear a Brazil that doesn't need to be discovered, but rather contemplated.