Gilberto Gil: Family Man

They say that having a big family is great because you will never have a party in an empty house. Gilberto Gil can be sure that, if there's ever an empty seat at one of his concerts, he need only call one of his eight children to help fill the venue. Gil had already been married three times when he met Flora Giordano, and since then, he has forged his path with her at his side in both his personal and professional life.

While still living in Salvador, Gilberto Gil met Belina de Aguiar. They got married in May 1964 and she took his surname, becoming Belina Aguiar Gil Moreira. In January the following year, they moved to São Paulo.

Gil had two daughters from his marriage to Belina: Nara de Aguiar Gil Moreira, born on February 22, 1966; and Marília de Aguiar Gil Moreira, born on February 3, 1967.

Having separated from Nana Caymmi, after a marriage that only lasted from 1967 to 1968 and produced no children, Gil married Sandra Gadelha. Their marriage lasted 11 years and they had three children: Pedro, Preta, and Maria. Sandra was the sister of Caetano Veloso's first wife, Dedé, and was by her husband's side during his most difficult years, from when he went into exile for three years in 1969, until they separated in 1980.

Gil and Sandra's son Pedro Gadelha Gil Moreira was born on May 17, 1970, and their daughters Preta Maria Gadelha Gil Moreira and Maria Gadelha Gil Moreira were born on August 8, 1974 and January 13, 1976 respectively.

Even sadder was the tragedy that hit the family in 1990. Gil and Sandra's eldest son, Pedro, was killed in a car accident. On January 25, Gil lost his only adult son, who had also been his drummer.

While on holiday in Salvador in January 1979, Flora Nair Giordano met Gilberto Gil when she asked for a ride. Still married, Gil was captivated by the saleswoman from São Paulo and he invited her to the beach the following day. Nothing more happened but, little by little, they got to know one another and they became a couple in 1980.

Flora started accompanying Gil on his trips around the world and she gradually began to take charge of his production company, Gege Produções Artísticas.

His album Luar included a song that Gil had written for the love of his life: "I imagine you already old
Foliage in full leaf
Branches multiplied
From now
Everything having elapsed
Flowers and fruits from the image
With me on this journey
Through the kingdom of your name
Oh, Flora."

Gil got married for the fourth time in 1981, but this time it would be forever. The musician had three children with Flora Nair Giordano Gil Moreira: Bem Giordano Gil Moreira was born on January 13, 1985; Isabela Giordano Gil Moreira on January 3, 1988; and José Gil Giordano Gil Moreira on August 27, 1991.

Bem was their firstborn and Gil was delighted to have another son. The couple were so happy that the musician decided to do a photo shoot with his new son for his Dia Dorim Noite Neon album insert.

Isabela was named after Isabel the Princess Imperial of Brazil, who had abolished slavery in Brazil 100 years before her birth. Even before she was born, the family were calling her Bela.

José Gil's arrival brought even more joy to the Gil household. With Flora's three children, the Gil family was now complete.

Gil's older children accepted Flora from the beginning of her relationship with their father. Their mutual respect and affection led to the family becoming even more united.

With his wife ensuring that Gege Produções Artísticas was going from strength to strength, Gil also found himself with an executive producer in the family. Flora's sister, Fátima Giordano (known as Fafá) started working with them, too.

Most of Gilberto Gil's eight children already have children of their own. One of his grandsons, Francisco—Preta's eldest son—is already father to the singer-songwriter's great-grandson. But as well as being a united family at home, many members of the Gil family work with their patriarch, either on stage or behind the scenes. As the old saying goes: strength lies in unity.