Biel (singer)

Career

Gabriel was born in Lorena, São Paulo, Brazil. He is the eldest son of Sérgio Ricardo Marins Rodrigues and of lawyer and former DJ Eliziane Silva Araújo. At 12, he began to show interest in a musical career and became a model, DJ and dancer. At 16, he performed as MC Biel in clubs. In 2013, Biel, he started as an independent funk carioca artist in the styles "funk ostentação" and "funk sedução" and was often dubbed a "Brazilian Justin Bieber". In 2014, he found internet blog series WeBiel. Once signed to Warner Music in 2015, he removed MC from his stage name, to perform funk and pop music under the mononym Biel. The single "Demorô" from his self-titled EP Biel became a commercial success followed up by an even more successful single "Química" also from Biel. His studio album Juntos Vamos Além is released in April 2016 on Warner.

Sexual harassment controversy

On June 3, 2016, it was published in the Brazilian press that Biel was reported in the first women's police station São Paulo for sexual harassment of a IG site reporter, whose identity has been withheld. During a press conference for the release of their second album for Warner Music, Biel was recorded in audio and video harassing the reporter in the presence of other journalists and singer staff. Days later, he was required to testify before the police. As a result of this incident, Biel had several contracts terminated and cancelled performances. The Network Globo canceled a skit on their schedule that would have the participation of Biel. The International Olympic Committee canceled his participation in the Olympic Torch event for which he had been invited.

Albums

EPs

Singles

Filmography