Yuri da Cunha Biography: Songs, Wife, Age, Religion, Parents, Height, Awards, Mentor

Álvaro Yuri Alberto da Cunha (born 13 September 1980) is an acclaimed Angolan singer, songwriter, and performer celebrated for his mastery of semba, kizomba, and Afro-fusion styles.

Renowned for his powerful stage energy, he has been affectionately nicknamed “The Show Man.”

From the streets of Luanda to international stages, Yuri da Cunha has built one of Angola’s most consistent and influential music careers, bridging traditional Angolan culture with global rhythms.

Profile

• Full name: Álvaro Yuri Alberto da Cunha
• Nickname: The Show Man
• Date of birth: 13 September 1980
• Age: 45 years old
• Gender: Male
• Place of birth: Sumbe, Kwanza Sul Province, Angola
• Nationality: Angolan
• Profession: Singer, songwriter, producer
• Height: 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in)
• Weight: 70 kg
• Eye colour: Brown
• Hair colour: Black
• Parents: Father – Henrique da Cunha “Riquito” (guitarist, member of Os Kwanzas); Mother – Teresa Alberto da Cunha (homemaker)
• Siblings: One brother
• Spouse: Aisha da Cunha (née Manuel, businesswoman and events manager)
• Children: Four (two daughters and two sons)
• Relationship status: Married
• Religion: Christian (Roman Catholic)
• Ethnicity: Angolan (Bantu heritage)
• Net worth: US $2 million – $5 million

Early Life and Education

Álvaro Yuri Alberto da Cunha (45 years old) was born on 13 September 1980 in Sumbe, Kwanza Sul Province, Angola. Due to the Angolan civil war, his family relocated to Luanda when he was three. His father, Henrique “Riquito” da Cunha, was a well-known guitarist and band member of Os Kwanzas, which exposed Yuri to music from childhood.

Yuri developed his musical skills in the Rocha Pinto neighborhood of Luanda, under the mentorship of Manuel Costa “Makanha”. By the age of 13, he was already performing at school and community events.

In 1993, he joined the Escola de Música da Rádio Nacional de Angola, where he learned the basics of voice technique, interpretation, and stage performance.

Personal Life

Yuri da Cunha is married to Aisha da Cunha, a businesswoman known for her role in organizing cultural events in Luanda. Together, they have four children. Yuri often credits his wife and family for his emotional stability and creative inspiration.

Career

Yuri da Cunha’s music career began in 1994 when he won a children’s singing competition. His debut album, “É Tudo Amor” (1999), recorded in Portugal, established him as a fresh voice in Angolan music.

He gained further recognition with “Makumba” in 2004, which won Top Rádio Luanda’s Best Song Award. His follow-up albums—“Eu” (2005) and “Kuma Kwa Kié” (2009)—cemented his reputation as a master of modern semba and kizomba fusion.

In 2009, “Kuma Kwa Kié” sold over 20,000 copies on its first day, becoming one of Angola’s fastest-selling albums.

Yuri later expanded internationally:

• Joined Eros Ramazzotti’s 2010 European Tour, performing in major venues across Italy, France, and Portugal.
• Released “Canta Artur Nunes” (2014), a tribute album honoring the legendary Angolan singer Artur Nunes.
• Collaborated with Uhuru on the hit “Y-tjukutja”, which won Best Collaboration at the MTV Africa Music Awards (2014) and reached the Billboard Africa chart.

His 2017 album, “O Intérprete,” showcased a more mature sound blending semba and romantic ballads, while his 2022 project “No Tempo das Bessanganas” celebrated Angolan musical heritage.

Awards

• 1999: RTP Award (Lisbon) – Best Video Clip & Best Music (PALOP Category) for É Tudo Amor
• 2004: Top Rádio Luanda Award – Best Song (Makumba)
• 2008: Rádio Luanda “Kianda do Sucesso” Award – Cultural Contribution
• 2014: MTV Africa Music Awards – Best Collaboration (Y-tjukutja ft. Uhuru)
• 2014: Nominated – Song of the Year (Atchu Tchu Tcha) and Best Lusophone Act
• 2019: Moda Luanda Trophy – Lifetime Achievement in Angolan Music

Net Worth

Yuri da Cunha’s net worth is estimated between $2 million and $5 million USD. His income streams include: Album sales & streaming, Concerts & international tours in Africa and Europe etc

Social Media

• Instagram: @yuridacunha02
• X: @yuridacunha02
• YouTube: Yuri da Cunha Official
• TikTok: @yuridacunhaofficial

Filmography

• Voo Directo (2010)
• Mister Brau (2015)
• Festa de Quintal: The Angolan Home Theatre (2012)

Discography

• É Tudo Amor
• Eu
• Kuma Kwa Kié
• Canta Artur Nunes
• O Intérprete
• No Tempo das Bessanganas