Antonio de Pádua da Silva, known as “PÁDUA,” is a distinguished singer and composer from Goiânia, Goiás. Renowned for his contributions to the music scene, he is celebrated as a pioneer of live performances in nightclubs throughout the region and has garnered numerous festival awards. Pádua's music is characterized by a fusion of sounds, drawing from the simple language of his homeland while avoiding a singular focus on any musical or poetic theme.

His recording career began in 1980, and he released his first solo project, a Compacto Simples featuring the song "Pele," in 1985. This track won acclaim at the prestigious “Comunica-som” festival. In 1988, Pádua achieved significant recognition with "Louca Magia," included in the LP “Vôo de Cantor,” which became one of his signature hits.

Pádua's talents were showcased during the opening of ECO 92 in Rio de Janeiro, where he was regarded as one of the event's standout attractions. His third album, the second LP titled “MESTIÇO,” was released in 1993. Between 1994 and 1995, he introduced the music of Goiás to audiences in Bahia, performing alongside notable artists such as Carlinhos Brown, Margareth Menezes, Shanghai, and Gilberto Gil. Upon returning to Goiás, he collaborated with Elomar for a significant performance at the Teatro Goiânia, titled “Cantoria Consertante.”

In 1999, Pádua released the album “Grãos de Alegria.” In 2000, he contributed to the CD “Noites Goianas,” produced by Gravadora Anhanguera. The following year, he launched the solo CD “Dança do Bicho,” which featured popular tracks like “Mulher Cigana” and “Vambora Andar.” In 2002, he participated in the “Canto da Gente Project” alongside Fernando Perillo, Maria Eugênia, and João Caetano, culminating in the CD “Canto da Gente.” This project included over 40 performances in both the capital and the interior of the state, and they were the only Brazilian artists invited to the Wien Jazz Fest in Vienna, Austria, where they received positive feedback in the European music and cultural scene.

At the end of 2002, Pádua released the CD “Refazendo.” In August 2005, he and his band performed at the “Feria de La Pêche et de L'Abricot” in Saint Gilles, France, receiving an enthusiastic response.

Pádua also featured in an advertising campaign for the mobile operator “TIM,” representing the Central West region. He appeared on the program “Som Brasil” on Rede Globo, hosted by Rolando Boldrin, and collaborated with Lima Duarte on the program “Senhor Brasil,” aired on TV Cultura.

In 2006, he released the CD “Sortido,” and in 2010, he recorded his first DVD, “Música aos Vivos,” on October 22nd, at the Centro Cultural da Universidade Federal Goiás, accompanied by a CD of the same name. Following this release, Pádua toured the major cities of Goiás to promote the CD/DVD “Música aos Vivos,” which received critical acclaim and was featured in the Canal Brasil programming schedule.

Pádua is fundamentally an artist dedicated to live performance, adept at engaging audiences of all sizes. His work as both a composer and performer has consistently reflected a wide range of musical expressions.