Duofel

Origin

São Paulo, SP

Years active

1977–2020

Genres

mpb, instrumental music, acoustic music, brazilian music

Instruments

acoustic guitar, 12-string guitar, classical guitar

Biography

Duofel was a Brazilian acoustic guitar duo formed in 1977 by Fernando Melo and Luiz Bueno. Both self-taught musicians, they met in São Paulo while playing in the progressive rock band Boissucanga. After forming Duofel, they embarked on a journey through northeastern Brazil, absorbing local folk music and rhythms.

Upon returning to São Paulo in 1978, Duofel began to accompany various singers, notably Tetê Espíndola, marking their professional debut. Their arrangement for Espíndola's song "Escrito Nas Estrelas" won the "Festival dos Festivais" in 1985. The duo's partnership with Espíndola lasted for seven years.

Duofel released their debut album, "Duofel Disco Mix," in 1987, the same year they won the Festival of Instrumental Music of Avaré. They gained international recognition with albums like "As Cores do Brasil" (1990) and collaborations with artists such as Sebastião Tapajós and Badal Roy. The duo received multiple Sharp Awards, including Best Instrumental Music for "Do Outro lado do Oceano" in 1993. In 2012, both musicians were recognized by Rolling Stone Brasil as two of the "70 Masters of Brazilian Guitar and Vihuela." Duofel announced their separation on July 31, 2020.