sertaneja

Sertaneja is the feminine form of sertanejo in Brazilian Portuguese and can refer to two related concepts. First, as an adjective or noun, sertaneja describes something tied to the sertão, the rural interior of Brazil traditionally associated with ranching and a semi-arid climate. In this sense, the term can refer to people, culture, music, or landscapes from that region.

Second, and more commonly in contemporary usage, sertaneja denotes a female artist or performer within the música sertaneja genre, Brazil’s prominent rural-pop music. The genre originated among rural communities in the early 20th century and has evolved through phases such as sertanejo raiz (roots) and sertanejo universitário, broadening its audience and blending with pop and country influences. A number of successful female sertanejas have emerged, including Marília Mendonça, Paula Fernandes, and Roberta Miranda, among others, expanding the visibility of women in the genre.

The term also reflects the gendered nature of language in Brazilian music, where sertanejo as a style is described as sertaneja when applied to women. Today, sertaneja continues to influence Brazilian popular music, with female performers contributing to the repertoire, evolution, and international recognition of the genre.