Gabriel Policarpo

Origin

Niterói, RJ

Genres

samba, choro, instrumental, música popular brasileira

Instruments

repique, percussion

Biography

Gabriel Policarpo was born in Niterói, on July 24, 1984. His first contact with percussion happened during his childhood, when he played in carnival block parties. At thirteen, he joined the samba school G.R.E.S. Unidos do Viradouro and, under the direction of Mestre Ciça, he became the school's first repique player and soloist, consolidating his talent in percussion and, years later, achieving the position of member of the master drummer commission in the special group of the Rio carnival.

In 2009, along with musician Bernardo Aguiar, he founded Pandeiro Repique Duo, a project that explores universal sounds starting from two fundamental instruments of Rio de Janeiro culture. The group expanded its borders to international stages, performing at renowned institutions such as The Juilliard School of Music and City University London. Furthermore, Policarpo works intensely as an educator, having taught workshops on Brazilian rhythms in Canada and founded the school and rhythm orchestra Batuquebato in Rio de Janeiro.

Throughout his career, the percussionist has collaborated with various exponents of national and international music. He participated in the recording and tour of the album "De bem com a vida", by Martinho da Vila, a work awarded a Latin Grammy, and has shared stages with renowned artists such as Alcione, Hamilton de Holanda, Marcos Suzano, and Chico César.