André Christovam

Origin

São Paulo, SP

Years active

1980

Genres

blues, rock

Instruments

guitar, vocals

Biography

Andre Christovam is widely recognized as a pioneering figure and the leading blues artist within the Brazilian music scene. Born in São Paulo, his musical journey was ignited after listening to the legendary British blues power trio Cream, which inspired him to pursue the guitar. During the 1980s, he traveled to the United States to study at the Guitar Institute of Technology in Los Angeles before returning to Brazil to collaborate with prominent domestic and international acts.

Throughout his career, Christovam has performed and recorded with numerous notable Brazilian artists such as Rita Lee, Raul Seixas, Kid Vinil, and Marcelo Nova. His 1989 debut solo album, Mandinga, stands as a landmark release and is celebrated as perhaps the best-selling blues album in Brazilian history. In the 1990s, he expanded his international footprint by serving as a sideman for Sugar Blue and recording The 2120 Sessions in Chicago with Big Voice Odon and members of Junior Wells's band, marking the historic final recording session at the legendary Chess Records studio.

A celebrated guitar icon, Christovam was featured on Rolling Stone Brasil's prestigious list of the 30 greatest Brazilian guitar and acoustic guitar masters in 2012. With five solo albums to his credit, including a live recording with Hubert Sumlin captured in Porto Alegre, he remains a cornerstone of blues music in Brazil. His profound contributions continue to influence generations of guitarists in the country.