Magro Waghabi

Origin

Itaocara, RJ

Also known as

Antônio José Waghabi Filho

Years active

1963–2012

Genres

mpb, música popular brasileira, samba, bossa nova

Instruments

voz, teclado, percussão, clarineta, saxofone, vibrafone, piano

Biography

Antônio José Waghabi Filho, known artistically as Magro, was a pivotal figure in Brazilian popular music. He was a singer, arranger, and multi-instrumentalist, best known as a founding member of the iconic vocal group MPB-4 in 1963. Magro's contribution to MPB-4 extended beyond his vocal performance; he was instrumental in crafting the group's sophisticated vocal arrangements, which became a hallmark of their sound and elevated the standard of Brazilian popular music. His technical skill and deep musical sensitivity left an indelible mark on the genre.

Magro's musical talent was diverse, encompassing proficiency in instruments such as keyboards, percussion, and wind instruments like the clarinet and saxophone. His arranging prowess was crucial in shaping numerous Brazilian music classics. He lent his talents to arrangements for renowned artists including Chico Buarque, Simone, Toquinho, and Vinícius de Moraes, solidifying his reputation as a master craftsman in the national music scene. His influence resonated far beyond MPB-4, cementing his legacy as one of Brazil's most significant musical artists.

Magro passed away in 2012 due to complications from prostate cancer, leaving a void in the Brazilian music landscape. His legacy, however, continues to thrive through his extensive recordings with MPB-4 and the posthumously published book "Vozes do Magro," which offers insights into his experiences and the group's trajectory. Fellow musicians, like his MPB-4 colleague Aquiles Rique Reis, have expressed the profound loss, with Reis stating, "With him went my music," underscoring Magro's immense impact on Brazilian vocal music.