Duduka da Fonseca

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Also known as

Eduardo Moreira da Fonseca

Years active

1964–present

Genres

jazz, brazilian jazz, samba jazz, world fusion, latin jazz

Instruments

drums, percussion

Biography

Born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Eduardo Moreira da Fonseca, known professionally as Duduka da Fonseca, is a highly respected jazz drummer and percussionist. He began his musical journey at the age of thirteen, quickly developing his skills and by fifteen, was already performing with prominent Brazilian musicians and appearing on television. His early career in Brazil saw him co-founding groups like the Samba Jazz Sextet Mandengo. In 1975, he relocated to New York City, a pivotal move that allowed him to further explore his passion for blending Brazilian rhythms with American jazz.

In New York, Da Fonseca became a significant figure in the city's jazz scene, founding and leading various ensembles such as Brazilian All Stars, Brazilian Express, and the New York Samba Band. He also contributed to the educational aspect of drumming as a faculty member at the Drummers Collective. His influential instructional book, "Brazilian Rhythms for Drumset," has been a valuable resource for aspiring drummers. A major milestone in his career was co-founding the acclaimed Trio da Paz in 1986 with bassist Nilson Matta and guitarist Romero Lubambo, a collaboration that has garnered international recognition and numerous awards.

Throughout his extensive career, Duduka da Fonseca has performed and recorded with a vast array of legendary artists, both Brazilian and international. His discography includes collaborations with icons such as Antonio Carlos Jobim, Joe Henderson, Herbie Mann, John Scofield, and Eliane Elias, among many others. He has also received multiple Grammy nominations, solidifying his status as a world-class musician. Da Fonseca continues to be an active force in the music world, leading his own trio and quartet, and exploring new creative avenues, consistently bringing his unique Brazilian sensibility to the global jazz landscape.