Afonso Gadelha

Origin

Sousa, PB

Years Active

1970s–present

Genres

MPB, forró, sertanejo

Instruments

vocals, guitar, percussion

Biography

Afonso Gadelha is a Brazilian singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, born in Sousa, Paraíba. His musical journey began in childhood, performing at local events with his family band. By his teenage years, he moved to Rio de Janeiro to pursue his musical studies, where he honed his skills in music theory under the guidance of Sivuca and Nelson Macedo. During his time in Rio, Gadelha also performed in Sivuca's shows and became a founding member of AMAR (Association of Musicians, Arrangers, and Conductors), advocating for fellow artists.

Gadelha's career spans over three decades, marked by a prolific output of songs and collaborations. He has partnered with notable musicians such as Sivuca, Paulinho Tapajós, Cacaso, Glorinha Gadelha, and Pepeu Gomes. His compositions have been recorded by a diverse range of artists including Amelinha, Maria Creuza, and Quarteto em Cy. He has released several independent albums, including "Tambores" (1996), "MultiGana Cidade Brasil" (1998), and "Escuta isso" (2001), showcasing his unique blend of rhythms and lyrical themes.

Throughout his career, Afonso Gadelha has performed in various settings, from intimate bars to larger festivals and television appearances. He has also shared stages with renowned Brazilian artists like Elba Ramalho and Luiz Gonzaga. His music often reflects his life experiences and travels, with recent works like "Na base do xenhenhém" and "Minha Bandeira" continuing to explore diverse musical landscapes and collaborations.