Tom Noga

Journalist – Filmmaker – Explorer

Que Beleza

Tim Maia, the wild king of Brazilian Soul

Illustrated portrait of Brazilian music icon Tim Maia, subject of a documentary podcast about his life, music and legacy.
Caption
Tim Maia – Brazil’s legendary soul singer and the subject of this two-part documentary podcast.

Tim Maia was the king of Brazilian soul, a musical genius whose voice, charisma and excesses made him one of the most unforgettable figures in Latin American music. Blending soul, funk and Brazilian rhythms, he helped change the sound of a nation and inspired generations of artists.At the height of his fame, Tim Maia made a decision that shocked Brazil. Drawn into the mysterious sect, he abandoned longtime friends, rewrote his music and walked away from the success he had spent years building.

In this special two-part podcast series, musicians, friends and eyewitnesses revisit the life of a larger-than-life performer whose career was marked by extraordinary success, controversy, reinvention and chaos.

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Episode 1: The Rise of a Superstar

Podcast artwork for Tim Maia Part 1 featuring scenes from Rio de Janeiro, the Tijuca neighborhood, soul and funk music, and the early rise of Brazilian singer Tim Maia.
Part 1 follows Tim Maia’s journey from Rio’s suburbs to becoming one of Brazil’s biggest music stars.

In this episode, we follow his journey from his first vocal groups to the United States, from deportation and disappointment to the breakthrough that would change his life forever.

Episode 2: Brazil’s Prophet of Soul

Podcast artwork for Tim Maia Part 2 featuring Tim Maia, the Rational Culture movement, concerts, fame, financial struggles and the later years of the Brazilian soul legend.
Part 2 explores Tim Maia’s spiritual quest, commercial success, personal struggles and lasting legacy.

Tim Maia is at the height of his fame. His records are selling, his concerts are packed and his voice dominates the airwaves across Brazil.

But at the peak of his success, an unexpected discovery changes the course of his life. Convinced that he has found a new truth, Tim breaks with longtime collaborators and embarks on a path that will put everything he has built at risk.

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