Ernesto Fagundes

Origin

Alegrete, RS

Years active

1976

Genres

música regional brasileira, música nativista, mpb

Instruments

bombo legüero, voz

Biography

Ernesto Vilaverde Fagundes was born in Alegrete on January 18, 1968, and began his artistic journey in childhood, performing in traditional gaúcho culture centers (CTGs). Alongside family members, he joined the group Os Fagundes and built a solid career tied to nativist and regional music from Rio Grande do Sul, standing out for his performance on the bombo legüero. He moved to Porto Alegre in the 1980s, where he recorded the LP Fagundaço and later consolidated his solo discography with striking albums such as Ernesto Fagundes and Guevara Vivo.

Throughout his career, the musician expanded the borders of gaúcho culture by participating in major international events and collaborating with various renowned artists, such as Yamandu Costa. His work also encompassed audiovisual projects and documentaries, including the series Tá no Sangue and the film Origens, as well as tributes to central figures of tradition like Gildo de Freitas. He has received several honors, such as the Troféu Guri and the title of Citizen of Porto Alegre, reaffirming his relevance in the preservation and renewal of regional music.