Marquinho Brasil was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Raised in Brazil’s climate of samba and Afro-Brazilian rhythms, Marquinho spent his early childhood parading and performing with samba schools, Portela & Imperio Serrano. His talent led him to perform with such Brazilian stars as Martinho da Vila and Joao Nogueira. He moved to the U.S. in 1982 to join an acclaimed Brazilian dance troupe, Batucaje. The group toured the U.S., Europe and Canada and performed for several years at the annual Monterey Jazz Festival. In 1984 Batucaje won the “Jammies” Music Award for Best Brazilian Group. During 1984-86 the group performed with artists such as Ray Charles, Santana, Miles Davis and The Grateful Dead.
In 1986 Marquinho went on to perform and record with Taj Mahl, worked jazz festivals coast to coast and was heard on numerous TV jingles (Shell, Chevron & Levi’s Jeans).
Marquinho toured with Batucaje in 1988 throughout Europe and the Caribbean. In 1990 he began working with Narada Michael Walden and performed with Narada’s group, The Brotherhood. This led to recording sessions on such CD’s as Al Jarreau’s Heaven and Earth, and Regina Bell’s grammy award winner Passion. In 1993 he performed with Angela Bofill and recorded with Booker T.
In 1994, Marquinho began touring the U.S. and Europe with the Neto Band with special guest artist Steve Winwood. They have since produced several CD’s prominent throughout Europe. Marquinho also worked with Ray Charles and Daniela Mercury for the 1994 World Cup promotions.
Marquinho began touring with Mariah Carey during her 1998 Butterfly World Tour. His work with The Mariah Carey Band has included performances such as The World Music Awards in Monaco, MTV Spring Brake, The Blockbuster Video Awards and VH1 Divas Live with Aretha Franklin, Celine Dion, Gloria Estefan, Shania Twain and Mariah Carey.
Marquinho began the year 2000 with Mariah Carey’s Rainbow Tour. Since then, along with Mariah’s work he has been touring with guitarist Craig Chaquico and rising European instrumentalist, Praful.
Marquinho currently endorses the following;
LP Latin Percussion
Remo World Percussion
Paiste Cymbols
Rhythms
Audix Microphones
Zendrum
Marquinho can be contacted at mq@mqbrasil.com