Juninho Afram

Origin

São Paulo, SP

Years active

1987

Genres

christian rock, heavy metal, rock, progressive rock

Instruments

guitar, electric guitar, vocals, classical guitar

Biography

José Issa João Afram Júnior, known professionally as Juninho Afram, is a prominent Brazilian musician, composer, and singer. Born in São Paulo, he began his musical journey studying classical guitar at a conservatory before shifting his focus to the electric guitar as a teenager, heavily influenced by 1970s and 1980s rock music. He quickly developed his skills by playing in church bands, which ultimately led him to co-found the legendary Christian rock band Oficina G3 alongside musicians such as Walter Lopes and Wagner García.

Over the decades, Afram became the primary creative force, lead guitarist, and longest-standing member of Oficina G3, steering the group through various line-up changes and musical evolutions. Beyond his extensive work with the band, which included taking on lead vocal duties during multiple eras, he has collaborated with notable Brazilian artists like PG, Fernandinho, Priscilla, and the rock band Rosa de Saron. His technical proficiency on the guitar has earned him widespread acclaim, cementing his reputation as one of the finest rock guitarists in Brazil and leading to signature instrument lines with Tagima.

In addition to his group endeavors, Afram has pursued solo projects, releasing music such as his 2018 single "Ousado Amor." He studied classical voice for several years and honed his guitar mastery under the guidance of renowned instructors like Mozart Mello and Kiko Loureiro. Today, he remains a central figure in the Brazilian Christian rock and heavy metal scenes, bridging the gap between mainstream rock instrumentalism and faith-based music alongside contemporaries such as Duca Tambasco and Jean Carllos.