Anitta, who rose from humble beginnings to become a global sensation, captured attention with the line that echoed through 2012: “I can conquer anything I set my mind to.” The Brazilian star, whose real name is Larissa de Macedo Machado, quickly grew from home videos to a worldwide stage. Her rise was rapid enough to be recognized by major media outlets, including Billboard, which highlighted her as one of the most influential artists on social media. A viral moment during a Los40 Music Prize party, where she delivered a bold performance during a perreo, helped propel her into a broader spotlight that extended far beyond Brazil.
Her collaborations span some of the biggest names in music. She has joined forces with Carioca icons and global superstars, including Miley Cyrus, Madonna, Luis Fonsi, and Ricky Martin. Vanity Fair once described her as “a kind of Beyoncé made in Rio,” a testament to the breadth of her appeal and her influence across music, fashion, and pop culture. Anitta’s influence has grown to rival the biggest names in the industry, and she has become a recognizable force in the global music landscape. News about her ambitious projects and international footprint continued as she balanced tours, appearances in major markets, and her burgeoning business ventures, compelling a constant stream of headlines. Reports suggested she might pause touring in 2023, but the momentum persisted as she expanded her repertoire beyond music into acting and entertainment. She has appeared as a performer, presenter, and songwriter, and she has balanced life between cities like Miami, Rio de Janeiro, and Madrid while participating in popular productions, including a character in the Netflix series Elite that captured audience attention.
The announcement of her foray into acting surprised many Brazilian media outlets. Anitta has journeyed from carnival stages in Minas Gerais, Pernambuco, Bahia, and her hometown to the wider world, sharing her story through music and performance. She has faced health challenges as well, including a December diagnosis of the Epstein-Barr virus, which can have serious health implications. Her response through a demanding schedule demonstrated resilience and discipline, as she noted on social media that health issues were difficult but manageable with perseverance and focus, even as the festivities carried on.
Anitta began singing at a young age, drawing inspiration from the church as a first stage. She is the daughter of a family that created opportunities by producing home recordings that helped her gain visibility. Early on, a disc jockey experience made her realize there was more to achieve, and the breakthrough came with the provocative video “Dulce y Descarada,” which showcased a fearless, hungry artist in Las Vegas and opened doors with Warner Music. The first album, released a decade ago, quickly became a top-seller in Brazil, and four years later she expanded into the Spanish-speaking market with the hopeful, provocative track “Paradinha,” which has hundreds of millions of views. A collaboration with J Balvin on “Machika” followed, and in 2019 she released a multilingual album called “Kisses.” The project underscored her ambition to be a constant presence and voice in Brazil and across the United States, Latin America, and Spain, a mission she pursued with determination.
Throughout her career, Anitta has collected numerous awards, including recognitions at the Latin Grammys and multiple MTV honors in Europe and the United States. The evolution of her first record hinted at the vibrant energy she would bring to stages and screens, and her signature rhythm and style left a lasting impression wherever she performed. The persona she projects—bold, unapologetic, and endlessly creative—made a significant impact across Brazilian culture and beyond. Her influence extended well past music as she navigated the worlds of entertainment and business with a distinctive, fearless voice.
In public discourse about contemporary politics and social matters, Anitta has occasionally weighed in, reflecting the complexity of public life in Brazil. Her perspective has been part of broader conversations about identity, acceptance, and representation. As she approached a new milestone—her thirtieth birthday—her experiences, relationships, and public statements attracted attention from media outlets that cover culture and politics alike, including coverage of personal history in São Paulo and associations with well-known figures from sports and entertainment. Across interviews and profiles, she has spoken candidly about her experiences, including discussions around sexuality and authenticity, and she has continued to engage with a diverse audience that includes fans, critics, and fellow artists alike, shaping the narrative of a generation of performers who blend music, fashion, and social commentary. [Vanity Fair attribution]