Kiko Horta

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Also known as

José Maurício Barretto Parreiras Horta

Years Active

1996

Genres

samba, choro, forró, MPB, instrumental music, jazz

Instruments

accordion, piano

Biography

José Maurício Barretto Parreiras Horta, known artistically as Kiko Horta, is a renowned Brazilian accordionist, pianist, composer, and arranger. Born in Rio de Janeiro on August 7, 1976, Kiko Horta emerged in the Rio music scene with a career spanning over three decades. His passion for music was awakened in childhood, influenced by popular festivals and rich Brazilian musical tradition.

Kiko Horta is one of the founders of the Carnival street band Cordão do Boitatá, created in 1996, where he serves as artistic and musical director. With Cordão do Boitatá, he is responsible for traditional events of the Rio de Janeiro carnival, such as the Praça XV Multicultural Ball and the Street Orchestra Parade, which have been recognized as Intangible Heritage of the State of Rio de Janeiro. His musical trajectory also includes collaborations with various renowned artists, such as Martinho da Vila, Edu Lobo, Chico Buarque, Gilberto Gil, Guinga, Wagner Tiso, Zeca Pagodinho, Dona Ivone Lara, Mart'nália, Yamandu Costa, Carlos Malta, Hamilton de Holanda, Maurício Carrilho, among others.

In 2025, Kiko Horta released his first solo album, "Sanfona Carioca", a work that explores the trajectory of the accordion in music produced in Rio de Janeiro, blending influences of samba, bossa nova, choro, forró, and jazz. The album features musicians such as Luis Filipe de Lima, Ivan Machado, Luís Barcelos, and Marcos Suzano. Kiko Horta is also an accordion teacher at Casa do Choro and Escola Portátil de Música, and his musical work oscillates between erudite and popular styles, reflecting his vast training and deep connection with Brazilian culture.

Discography

• Kiko Horta, Marcelo Caldi, Orquestra de Sopros pro Arte – Duas Sanfonas e uma Orquestra (2016)
• Dos Pés à Cabeça - Na Rua (2024)
• Orin Dudu - Cânticos Negros (2025)
• Sanfona Carioca (2025)