Bell Marques

Origin

Salvador, BA

Also known as

Marques

Years Active

1979

Genres

axé, MPB

Instruments

vocals, guitar, keyboards

Biography

Bell Marques, born Washington Marques da Silva in Salvador, Bahia, is a prominent Brazilian singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and music producer. His musical journey began in his youth when he was inspired by his brothers, who played in the band Os Elétrons, leading Bell to briefly perform with them on keyboards and later make his trio elétrico debut in 1979. He achieved massive national fame as the iconic frontman of Chiclete com Banana, one of the pioneering axé music groups in Brazilian history, where he spent over three decades helping sell millions of albums alongside contemporaries like Aviões do Forró.

Following his departure from Chiclete com Banana after the 2014 Salvador Carnival, Marques launched a successful solo career, headlining blocks and releasing celebrated tracks such as "Nicolau", "Amor Bacana", and "Vumbora Vumbora". Known for his trademark bandana and distinctive stage presence, he performs with his backing ensemble, the Big Band, which features former bandmates and talented musicians like Walmar Paim. His sons, Rafa & Pipo Marques, have also carried on the family's musical legacy within the axé genre.

Discography

• Vumbora?! (2014)
• Forró do Lago, Vol. 1 (2015)
• Fênix (Ao Vivo) (2016)
• Ao Vivo no Fortal (2016)
• Forró do Lago 2 (2016)
• Só as Antigas (Ao Vivo) (2018)
• Forró do Lago 3 (2019)
• Live Só as Antigas (2020)
• Bell Marques Só as Antigas, Pt. 2 (2021)
• Vumbora pro Mar (2021)
• Bell Marques Ao Vivo no Fortal 2022 (2022)
• Vumbora Verão (2023)
• Bell Marques Ao Vivo no Carnatal 2023 (2024)
• Bell Marques Verão 2026 (Ao Vivo) (2026)