Mario_de_andrade

Brazilian modernist pioneer who redefined Latin American literature through cultural synthesis

Mário de Andrade (1893-1945) was a Brazilian writer, musician, and anthropologist whose works redefined South American literature by blending European modernism with Afro-Brazilian traditions. As a key figure in Brazil's modernist movement, he championed the use of vernacular language and folk culture in his writings. His seminal novel Macunaíma (1928) became a cornerstone of Brazilian literature, using magical realism to explore the complexities of national identity. Andrade's Anthology of Brazilian Folklore (1948) preserved indigenous and Afro-Brazilian traditions through meticulous ethnographic research.

As a musicologist, he collected over 3,000 folk songs that formed the basis of the São Paulo State Music Department's archives. His radio broadcasts and lectures at the University of São Paulo (USP) made him a cultural icon. Andrade's advocacy for cultural preservation led to the creation of the Brazilian Folklore Commission in 1942. His writings continue to inspire contemporary authors like Paulo Coelho. Explore his works at mariodeandrade.org.br and hear his folk music collection at spotify.com/playlist/BRFolk.