DJ Marlboro

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Also known as

Fernando Luís Mattos da Matta

Years active

1977

Genres

funk carioca, hip hop, electro, electronic music

Instruments

electronic drum kit, turntable

Biography

DJ Marlboro, artistic name of Fernando Luís Mattos da Matta, is widely recognized as the creator and pioneer of funk carioca. Born in Rio de Janeiro, he revolutionized the music scene by introducing electronic drums and fusing elements of hip hop, electro, and Brazilian popular music with Portuguese lyrics, culminating in the release of the historic compilation "Funk Brasil" in 1989 by PolyGram. His career includes a deep expansion of the rhythm to the international scene, performing on renowned stages such as Central Park and taking the sound of the Rio favelas to several countries in Europe and the Americas.

Throughout his career, besides being a producer and businessman, Marlboro headed important radio projects, such as the Big Mix program, consolidating himself as one of the most influential figures in urban culture and funk dances in Brazil. He was also responsible for boosting the careers of several national artists and groups, such as Copacabana Beat and Latino, and had his importance attested when he appeared on the famous list of the one hundred greatest artists of Brazilian music published by Rolling Stone magazine in 2008.

His contribution to music and to the diffusion of peripheral culture generated repercussions and partnerships with various names of the national scene, such as Dennis DJ, with whom he collaborated artistically. With an extensive discography and a constant reinvention of his sound, including projects like the album Ragafunk, DJ Marlboro remains a fundamental pillar in the history of electronic music and Brazilian popular culture.