By: Larissa Kreili
Liniker is a phenomenon in Brazilian music. A milestone in the current scene. It is characterized by its authenticity and reinvention, bringing a unique power that goes beyond music. It not only represents the visibility and rights of trans people, but also reflects how transformative art can be. After a journey of transition and self-discovery, Liniker is now widely recognized as a trans woman, a complete artist who attracts audiences with her image, but truly conquers them through the poetry and vulnerability of her lyrics.
Their presence is striking and magnetic, able to naturally attract a wide audience. But this was not always the case. Liniker was born into a humble family in Araraquara, a city in the interior of the state of São Paulo, and only began to raise her voice at the age of 16. Although she grew up in a family of musicians, she never felt comfortable enough to fully express herself. Over the years, Liniker discovered herself and began to open up, immersing herself in her identity and building the confidence to truly be herself. Her journey of self-discovery, especially in the context of her gender transition, reflects an intense process of acceptance and expression that is reflected in her lyrics today. Through her music, she not only found her voice, but also helped others to find theirs.
Today, after years of hard work and an independent career, Liniker is experiencing her best moment. The album Cajuwhich was released last year, is a true expression of her journey. In an interview, she revealed that the album was written not only for her audience, but above all for herself. It was a gift she gave herself, at the right time, as a personal milestone. Liniker has gone through an intense process of building self-esteem throughout her life and career, and Caju is the culmination of this inner work. Diving deep into themes of love, pain and vulnerability, the album reflects the best of what Liniker holds inside, translating her emotions in a visceral and powerful way. The lyrics speak not only of relationships, but also of the intimate relationship she has learned to cultivate with herself.
The effect of Caju was so great that almost all the songs on the album were among the 100 most played tracks on Spotify Brazil in the first 24 hours and also achieved great success on other streaming platforms. Liniker mixes influences from different areas of Brazilian music, such as soul, R&B and MPB, creating an authentic and innovative sound. Her songs convey great emotional depth through her poetic lyrics that address topics such as love, identity and social issues. Her ability to touch the audience's heart is undeniable, and it is probably for this reason that her music resonates with so many fans in Brazil and beyond. Her lyrics are an invitation for reflection while celebrating the beauty of life and human relationships. Liniker is undoubtedly one of the greatest voices in new Brazilian music.
And her career continues to grow. She was recently immortalized as a member of the Brazilian Academy of Culture, a more than deserved recognition. During the ceremony, visibly moved, Liniker gave a powerful speech: "I am very grateful for the voice that I have studied, for the voice that I have filled within me to be able to exist, to be able to stand upright, because standing upright in Brazil as a black trans woman is very difficult." Her words resonated not only as a reflection on her own journey, but also as a cry of resistance and a celebration of life for an entire community.
She remains a reference for many people, especially for the LGBTQIA+ community, and her image represents much more than success in music. She is a symbol of resistance, identity affirmation and the fight for visibility and rights. Through her music and her presence, this Strong black woman with terrible eyes beyond art and becomes a fundamental voice and figure for the times we live in. Liniker is a great artist because she is fully aware of the responsibility she carries with her work. She knows that her art is not only a personal expression, but a reflection of so many who find themselves in her and find strength in her story.
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