Grupo Uakti

Origin

Belo Horizonte, MG

Years active

1978–2015

Genres

minimalism, experimental, avant-garde, world music

Instruments

custom-made instruments, PVC tubes, wood instruments, glass instruments, tin cans, pans, kettles, marimbas, bowed string instruments, drums, guitars, cellos, flutes

Biography

The Brazilian instrumental music group Uakti was formed in 1978 in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, by Marco Antônio Guimarães, Artur Andrés Ribeiro, Paulo Sérgio Santos, and Décio Ramos. The group's name originates from a legend of the Tukano indigenous people of the Amazon, referring to a mythological being whose body, full of holes, produced enchanting sounds when the wind passed through it. This unique origin story hints at the group's distinctive approach to music.

Uakti became renowned for its innovative use of unconventional, custom-made instruments, designed and built by the group members themselves. These instruments, crafted from materials such as PVC tubes, wood, glass, and even kitchenware, contributed to their characteristic sound. While utilizing these unique creations, the group also incorporated traditional instruments like guitars and cellos, blending the familiar with the avant-garde.

Throughout their nearly four-decade career, Uakti collaborated with a diverse range of artists, including Milton Nascimento, Philip Glass, Ney Matogrosso, Maria Bethânia, Zélia Duncan, and Paul Simon. Their work extended beyond albums, notably creating original compositions for the acclaimed dance company Grupo Corpo. The group officially disbanded in October 2015, leaving behind a rich legacy of experimental and instrumental music.