Fred Camacho

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Also known as

Frederico Fagundes Fernandes Camacho

Years active

1997

Genres

samba, mpb

Instruments

banjo, cavaquinho, vocals

Biography

Fred Camacho is a Brazilian singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist born in Rio de Janeiro. Deeply rooted in the northern zone of the city, he absorbed the rich traditions of samba through his family and local cultural ties, learning cavaquinho and percussion from Mestre Louro while mastering the banjo under the mentorship of Almir Guinéto. His formative years included a five-year stint in the backing band of the legendary Beth Carvalho, as well as collaborations with prominent figures such as Martinho da Vila, Dudu Nobre, and Xande de Pilares.

As an accomplished songwriter, he established a prolific partnership with Arlindo Cruz, co-writing over twenty samba tracks together, including the major hit "O Que É o Amor," which was popularized by Maria Rita. Over the course of his career, his compositions and musical performances have been recorded and featured by a vast array of esteemed Brazilian artists, ranging from Alcione and Zeca Pagodinho to Ivete Sangalo and Diogo Nogueira. In 2012, he released his self-titled debut album featuring arrangements by Rildo Hora and Jota Moraes, alongside guest appearances from major names in the samba genre.

Beyond his work as a recording artist and instrumentalist, Camacho has proven to be a celebrated contributor to Rio de Janeiro's carnival culture. He is a four-time samba-enredo champion for the Acadêmicos do Salgueiro samba school, earning multiple accolades including the Tamborim de Ouro award. Continuing to shape the contemporary samba landscape, he has worked alongside modern producers like Pretinho da Serrinha on subsequent musical projects.