Chambinho do Acordeon

Origin

São Paulo, SP

Years active

2002

Genres

forró, baião, xote, mpb

Instruments

accordion, vocals

Biography

Nivaldo Expedito de Carvalho, known professionally as Chambinho do Acordeon, is a Brazilian accordionist, singer, composer, and actor. Born in São Paulo, he moved to Jaicós, Piauí, during his childhood, where he took his first steps on the accordion under the guidance of his grandfather Zezinho Barbosa, immersing himself in authentic forró. After returning to São Paulo, he played with Banda Caiana and later joined the Banda de Pifanos de Caruaru, contributing to an award-winning album that received Latin Grammy recognition. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with notable forró figures such as Anastácia, Dominguinhos, and members of the Gonzaga family.

Chambinho rose to widespread prominence when he was chosen among thousands of candidates to portray the legendary musician Luiz Gonzaga in the acclaimed 2012 biographical film Gonzaga: de Pai para Filho, directed by Breno Silveira. Following this cinematic breakthrough, he expanded his acting career with television appearances, including a role as an accordionist in the Rede Globo telenovela Velho Chico. Alongside his acting, he has maintained a robust musical career, releasing several albums and DVDs that celebrate traditional Northeastern rhythms like baião, xote, xaxado, côco, and arrasta-pé.

As a solo artist, Chambinho continues to champion traditional Brazilian roots music, collaborating with respected artists such as Fagner, Flávio José, and Targino Gondim. His repertoire deeply honors the legacy of pioneers like Luiz Gonzaga while carving out a distinct space for contemporary forró. Through his performances, recordings, and acting, he remains an important cultural ambassador for the musical traditions of Brazil's Northeast.