Edson Aparecido da Silva

Origin

Vila Maria, São Paulo

Years active

c. 1975

Genres

brazilian, jazz, afrobeat, pagode, world music, popular music

Instruments

percussion, vocals, pandeiro, reco-reco, tamborim, tantan, surdo, repique de mão, cuíca, violão

Biography

Edson Aparecido da Silva, widely known as Café, is a Brazilian percussionist, singer, composer, and music producer who has left an indelible mark on Brazilian, Jazz, Popular, and World Music. Born in Vila Maria, São Paulo, his musical journey began at the age of eight, captivated by the Afro-Brazilian rhythms he encountered at spiritual gatherings with his parents. Though he received classical training for the Municipal Symphonic Orchestra of São Paulo, his true passion lay in the vibrant rhythms of his heritage, leading him to perform in jazz and popular music clubs.

In his early twenties, Café moved to Rio de Janeiro, where he further honed his percussion skills at the Villa Lobos School. He performed with the Ministry of Education and Culture of Brazil in national arts programs before embarking on international tours in the 1980s with renowned Brazilian artists such as Chico Buarque, Milton Nascimento, Djavan, and Simone. Since relocating to the United States in 1985, Café has collaborated with a vast array of international artists across genres including jazz, rock, pop, classical, and Latin music.

Café has also established himself as an independent artist, founding Café Percussion Records to release his unique musical vision. His releases include "Ancestors," a collection of Afro-Brazilian songs, and his solo album "Creation Child," which showcases his distinctive Afro-Brazilian Pop Jazz style. His contributions extend to film soundtracks and television, solidifying his reputation as a versatile and influential musician in the global music scene. He is also remembered as a former member of the popular pagode group Raça Negra.