Zélia Cristina Gonçalves Moreira was born in Niterói, on October, 28, 1964, where she lived until she was 6. In 1971, she moved with her family to Brasília, where she stayed until she turned 22. Zélia Duncan started to sing professionally in the early 80's, in Brasília, at the Funarte venue under the name of Zélia Cristina.