[1][2] She was born Ionete da Silveira Gama in Cachoeira do Arari and grew up in Igarapé-Miri.

By the time that she was fifteen, she was singing songs from traditional music genres such as sambas, quadrilles and boi bumba.

She taught history and Amazonian studies in Igarapé-Mir and conducted research into rhythms, dances and traditions of the region.

Together with a local band, she has performed throughout Brazil as well as in the United Kingdom, France, Portugal, Germany and New York City.

[1] In 2013, a biography of Onete Menina Onete - Travessias & Travessuras was published by anthropologist Antônio Maria de Souza Santos and educator Josivana de Castro Rodrigues.