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Singer Clara Nunes is an icon of African Brazilian culture and known as the Queen of Samba.

Her first samba song Ê Baiana was released in 1973.

In 1974, the release of the song Conto de Areia secured her a place in history. Clara sold more records than any other Brazilian woman had before.

She's considered to be one of the greatest samba singers of her generation. She died in 1983.

Brazilian radio broadcaster and samba record producer Adelzon Alves worked with Clara. He tells Gill Kearsley Clara’s story.

Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more.

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(Photo: Clara Nunes in 1974. Credit: Gilbert Girbaldi/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)