Tania (tango singer)

Tania (born Ana Luciano Divis, January 1, 1893 – October 18, 1999) was an Argentine tango singer, dancer, and actress. She was a pivotal figure in the history of tango, known for her raspy voice, her unconventional style, and her long career that spanned several decades.

Tania began her career as a child performer in theater and circus acts. In the 1920s, she joined the troupe of French actor and singer Raoul Roulien, with whom she traveled to Paris. It was there that she met and began a long personal and professional relationship with tango composer and bandoneon player Enrique Santos Discépolo. Discépolo wrote many songs specifically for Tania, including some of her most famous recordings.

Tania's interpretation of tango was unique for her time. While many female tango singers adopted a demure and melancholic style, Tania projected a strong, independent, and even aggressive persona. This made her a controversial figure, but also a highly admired and influential one. She challenged traditional gender roles within the tango world.

After Discépolo's death in 1951, Tania continued to perform and act in film and television. She remained an active performer until late in her life, becoming a living legend of Argentine tango. Her contributions to the genre were widely recognized, and she received numerous awards and accolades throughout her career. Tania's recordings continue to be popular and influential among tango musicians and fans today.