Gilberto Gil (born 26 June, 1942) is a Brazilian singer, guitarist and songwriter, and Brazil's former Minister of Culture. Gil is best known for his late 1960s tropicalismo recordings, including "Roda", "Lunik 9", and "Domingo No Parque". Elis Regina recorded many of his songs. He began his career as a bossa nova musician, but soon began writing songs that reflected a new focus on political awareness and social activism, along with fellow singer Caetano Veloso.