In the age of Gucci-clad stars jumping on the cause du jour, praise is due to Gilberto Gil. Since his appointment as Brazil’s minister of culture in 2003, the reigning pop legend has focused his creative energy on tackling his country’s vast inequalities. Gil came to fame as the co-creator of Tropicália—the late-’60s musical mixture of diverse Brazilian styles, western rock and socially aware lyrics that was so revolutionary it led to his imprisonment by the military dictatorship, followed by a three-year exile in London. But in the decades since, Gil has constantly evolved as an artist, releasing dozens of albums while playing with the likes of Pink Floyd and Stevie Wonder. Offstage, his time is spent pushing Brazil toward equitable development—he’s become a suit, albeit a cool one. Thankfully, the 64-year-old’s talent as a songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and singer remains firmly intact. Whether surging through the rhythms of northeastern forró dance tunes, executing killer Bob Marley covers or delivering an acoustic bossa nova ballad, this Grammy winner shows audiences that his day job only makes him better.

Gilberto Gil plays Massey Hall March 15. $49.50–$69.50. 178 Victoria St., 416-872-4255, www.masseyhall.com