Baitaca, artistic name of Antônio César Pereira Jacques (born December 23, 1965), is a Brazilian singer and songwriter known for his traditional "gaúcho" music style. In his compositions, some lyrics carry double meanings and tell stories about life in rural settings. He experienced a resurgence in 2019 with the song "Do Fundo da Grota," which gained popularity through live performances by singers during the 2020 pandemic. His repertoire includes other hits like "A História do Tico Loco," "Baitaca Com Seu Jeito Simples," and "Querido Encanta a Todos."
Biography Baitaca was born in the locality of Rincão dos Pintos, in the countryside of São Luiz Gonzaga. He inherited the nickname from his grandfather, whose name refers to the "maitaca," a bird from the parrot family. At the age of 14, he won first place in a trova competition in the children's category at CTG Sinos in São Miguel das Missões. He started working as a ranch hand, and in his spare time, he composed and sang songs. While in Porto Alegre, he worked as a construction laborer, composing trovas while working with his boss at the time, Paulo Alves (Paulinho). In 1996, at the age of 31, he made his first recording on a cassette tape, and the following year, he released his first album: "Destrinchando o Bagualismo." He became well known for songs like "História do Tico Loco" and "Do fundo da grota." In 2014, he was honored by the City Council of Vacaria, which awarded him the "Troféu Candeeiro Farrapo." In 2022, Baitaca receives the "Medal of Farroupilha Merit" () by the Legislative Assembly of Rio Grande do Sul.
Discography
Studio albums 1997 – Destrinchando o Bagualismo 2001 – História do Tico Louco 2001 – Rodeio Campeiro • USA Discos 2002 – Meu Rio Grande é Deste Jeito (Volume 2) • Gravadora Vozes 2003 – Vida de Campeiro • USA Discos 2006 – Bailanta da Boneca • USA Discos 2008 – Baitaca Canta Francisco Vargas • USA Discos 2009 – Marca de Campo • ACIT 2010 – Estampa de Galpão • Gravadora Vozes 2012 – Da Doma Pro Rodeio • Gravadora Vozes 2013 - Campeiro Não Tem Enfeite • ACIT 2016 – De Campeiro Pra Campeiro • Vertical Records 2020 – Galponeiro e Aporreado • Lead Studio
Live albums 2007 – Baitaca – Ao Vivo • USA Discos
Compilations 2005 – Para Sempre Sucessos 2014 – O Melhor do Baitaca (Volume 1) • Gravadora Vozes
DVDs 2010 – Reformando a Mulher Véia • USA Discos 2012 – Do Fundo da Grota • USA Discos
References