Grupo Batacotô

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Years active

1993

Genres

samba, mpb, jazz, world music, latin

Instruments

drums, percussion, vocals, bass, guitar, cavaquinho, oboe, keyboards, violão

Biography

Grupo Batacotô emerged in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, founded by the acclaimed drummer Téo Lima. The group is known for its sophisticated fusion of Brazilian rhythms with elements of rock, jazz, and samba, creating a unique and vibrant musical identity. Their debut album, "Batacotô," released in 1993, garnered significant attention, featuring collaborations with international artists like Dionne Warwick and Ivan Lins, as well as Brazilian music icon Gilberto Gil. This album also included "Virou Areia," a track that was later incorporated into the "Jazz Book," a recognized publication for music schools in the Americas.

The group's musical explorations continued with their second album, "Semba dos Ancestrais," released in 1994. This work further solidified their reputation for blending diverse musical influences, including African music, as highlighted by the inclusion of "Nkosi Sikelel'Afrika," the anthem of the African National Congress. Batacotô's international projection was significant, with tours across the United States, Argentina, and Venezuela, showcasing their innovative sound to a global audience.

Throughout their career, Grupo Batacotô has featured a dynamic lineup of talented musicians, including Giovana Moretti, Amaury Machado, Dudu Carybé, Nema Antunes, Marco Brito, Pirulito, Jaguara, Sizão Machado, Claudio Jorge, Itamar Assiere, Jorjão Barreto, Café, Suzana Bello, Mart'nália, and Décio Crispim. Their commitment to artistic excellence and cultural fusion has left a lasting mark on Brazilian music, with their album "Batacotô 3" even receiving a nomination for the "Prêmio Tim" for "Best MPB Group."