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Gilberto Gil (born June 29, 1942) is a Brazilian singer and songwriter, and the country's current Minister of Culture.
Gil is best known for his late 1960s tropicalismo recordings. He began his career as a bossa nova musician, but soon began writing songs that reflected a new focus on political awareness and social activism, along with fellow singer Caetano Veloso.
In 1969 (see 1969 in music), Gil and Veloso were arrested by the military government of Brazil for anti-government activities. Upon their release, the pair both moved to London. Gil began playing with groups like Yes, Pink Floyd and the Incredible String Band, while continuing his solo career. In the 1970s, he toured the US and moved into jazz-oriented material, before working with Jimmy Cliff and released a cover of "No Woman, No Cry" (Bob Marley & the Wailers; 1980; (see 1980 in music) that was a massive Brazilian hit.
Gil continued recording, performing and involving himself in various social causes, and was eventually elected to office in Salvador, Brazil, his hometown, in the early 1990s. When President Lula da Silva took office in January 2003, he chose Gil to serve as Brazil's new Minister of Culture.