Brazilian singer, guitarist and songwriter, known both for his musical innovation and political activism. From 2003 to 2008, he served as Brazil's Minister of Culture. His musical style incorporates an eclectic range of influences, including rock, samba, African music and reggae.

He began his career as a bossa nova musician and grew to write songs that reflected a focus on political awareness and social activism. He was a key figure in the Música popular brasileira and tropicália movements of the 1960s, alongside artists such as longtime collaborator Caetano Veloso. The Brazilian military regime that took power in 1964 saw both Gil and Veloso as a threat, and the two were held for nine months in 1969 before they were told to leave the country. Gil moved to London, but returned to Bahia in 1972 and continued his musical career, as well as working as a politician and environmental advocate.