Djavan was born in Maceió, Brazil to a white father of Dutch descent and a black mother.

He later formed the group Luz, Som, Dimensão (LSD – "Light, Sound, Dimension"), playing Beatles' material.

[1] In 1973, Djavan moved to Rio de Janeiro and started singing soap opera soundtracks.

[1] In 1999, his album Ao Vivo sold 1.2 million copies.

[2] Djavan's compositions have been recorded by numerous musicians, including Al Jarreau, Carmen McRae and The Manhattan Transfer.