Veloso's politically active stance, unapologetically leftist, earned him the enmity of Brazil's military dictatorship which ruled until 1984; his songs were frequently censored, and some were banned. Veloso, and fellow pioneer Gilberto Gil, spent several months in jail for "anti-government activity" in 1968 and eventually exiled themselves to London.
In the 1980s, Veloso's popularity outside Brazil grew, especially in Israel, France and Africa. In the 1990s, he had become one of the most respected Latin pop stars throughout the world, and continued releasing well-reviewed albums.