Gilmar Bolla 8

Origin

Recife, PE

Also known as

Gilmar Bola 8

Years active

1990s–Present

Genres

manguebeat, afro-brazilian music, samba de coco, maracatu, reggae, soul, pop eletrônico

Instruments

percussion, vocals, drums, tambores

Biography

Gilmar Bolla 8 is a prominent percussionist, singer, and composer from Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil. He is a key figure in the Manguebeat movement, having been a founding member and original percussionist of Chico Science & Nação Zumbi, a band that was instrumental in shaping the genre. Bolla 8's musical journey began in the early 1990s, and he has since become a respected artist known for his innovative approach to Afro-Brazilian rhythms and his commitment to cultural expression.

Beyond his foundational role in Nação Zumbi, Gilmar Bolla 8 leads his own project, Combo X, which he founded in 2012. Combo X, a ten-piece band featuring wind instruments and percussion, has released several albums and garnered four Latin Grammy nominations. The group's music often blends elements of manguebeat, soul, and popular Brazilian music, with lyrics that address social issues and everyday life. Bolla 8 views the drums as a form of "ancestral internet," a powerful tool for communication and connection across generations and territories.

Bolla 8's work consistently explores the intersection of tradition and modernity, spirituality and technology. His solo album "IA – Inteligência Ancestral" exemplifies this, merging organic percussion with electronic textures and vocal layers. He continues to be a vital force in Brazilian music, advocating for the preservation of cultural heritage while pushing artistic boundaries. His influence extends beyond his own music, inspiring new generations of artists within the vibrant Pernambucan music scene.