Affonsinho

Origin

Belo Horizonte, MG

Also known as

Affonso Heliodoro dos Santos Junior, Afonsinho, Afonso Jr.

Years Active

1980s

Genres

MPB, rock, blues, bossa nova, pop

Instruments

vocals, guitar, bass, keyboard, drums

Biography

Affonsinho Heliodoro dos Santos Junior, known mononymously as Affonsinho, is a Brazilian singer, songwriter, guitarist, and actor born in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, in 1960. He is recognized for his versatile musical style, which blends MPB, rock, blues, and bossa nova, often infused with a distinct "mineiro" (from Minas Gerais) sensibility. Affonsinho's career began in the 1980s when he co-founded the band Hanoi Hanoi, which achieved success with hits like "Totalmente Demais," a song later famously covered by Caetano Veloso.

After his time with Hanoi Hanoi, Affonsinho embarked on a successful solo career, releasing numerous albums and singles that have garnered airplay on Brazilian radio stations and streaming platforms worldwide. His discography includes over 14 original albums, as well as reinterpretations of Clube da Esquina classics. He has also been recognized for his guitar skills, with some considering him one of Brazil's finest blues guitarists, and he even studied at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in the United States. Affonsinho has also explored acting, notably appearing in the Globo miniseries "JK."

Throughout his career, Affonsinho has collaborated with and been recorded by a wide array of Brazilian artists, including Sandra de Sá, Marina Machado, and Fernanda Takai. He is known for his poetic lyrics, often focusing on themes of love, humor, and optimism. His musical output, which includes over 200 songs recorded since 2000, continues to evolve, with recent projects like "AffonSingles" released during the pandemic showcasing his enduring creativity and connection with his audience. He is considered a significant voice in contemporary Brazilian music, particularly within the Minas Gerais music scene.

Discography

• Zum Zum (2000)
• Esquina de Minas: O Som do Barzinho. e do Affonsinho (2002)
• Esquina de Minas: Dois Lados da Mesma Viagem (2003)
• Belê (2006)
• Meu Plano (2009)
• Voz e Viô (2010)
• Zague Zeia (2011)
• Trópico de Peixes (2013)
• Depois de Agora (2013)
• Lá de um Lugar (2015)
• Bluesing (2015)
• Certeza ? (2017)
• Rock'n Blues (Ao Vivo) (2018)
• Outros Outros (2019)