Guinga, a Grammy-nominated guitarist hailed by the legendary Hermeto Pascoal as a once-in-a century musician, blends Brazilian bossa nova and samba with classical music and jazz, crafting a distinctive sound that is both harmonically and rhythmically intricate yet melodically inviting and accessible. A virtuosic Brazilian guitarist, vocalist, and composer, he is regarded as one of the most exceptional musical talents to emerge from Brazil in the 1990s.
Born and raised in the boroughs of Rio de Janeiro, Guinga, originally a self-taught guitarist and former dentist, grew up immersed in the rich traditions of Brazilian music. He absorbed the sounds of iconic artists such as Jacob do Bandolim, Pixinguinha, Cândido das Neves, Custódio Mesquita, Ary Barroso, Noel Rosa, Chico Buarque, Dorival Caymmi, Vinicius de Moraes, Baden Powell, and Edu Lobo. Today, Guinga enjoys a devoted following worldwide, with his compositions recorded by renowned artists like Paulo César Pinheiro, Elis Regina, and Sérgio Mendes. His artistry was featured on Mendes’ Grammy-winning album Brasileiro, and he has collaborated with legendary Brazilian musicians, including João Nogueira, Beth Carvalho, Clara Nunes, and Alaíde Costa.
Guinga debuted with Simples e Absurdo in 1991, and his 1999 album Suíte Leopoldina was named Best Brazilian Popular Music Album of the Year by critics. His seventh album, Graffiando Vento, released in 2004, further solidified his reputation. Recognized as a "musician’s musician," Guinga is also a sought-after educator, teaching fellow musicians the intricate nuances of Brazilian musical traditions.
