Marcelinho da Lua

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Also known as

Dj Marcelinho da Lua, DJ Dalua, DJ Marcelinho DaLua, Marcelinho "Da Lua" Dado, Marcelinho Da Luha, Marcelinho DaLua, Marcelino Da Lua, Marcelo Da Lua

Years active

1990s

Genres

bossa nova, reggae, samba, electronic music, drum and bossa, mpb, dub, drum and bass, hip-hop

Instruments

turntables, sampler, synthesizer, vocals

Biography

Marcelinho da Lua, born Marcelo Lustosa Mendes in 1972 in Rio de Janeiro, is a prominent Brazilian DJ, singer, producer, and arranger known for his innovative fusion of electronic music with traditional Brazilian genres.

His career began in the 1990s, initially working as a roadie and sound technician before joining the label Albatroz, headed by Roberto Menescal. It was there that he co-founded the acclaimed group Bossacucanova in 1997 with Márcio Menescal and Alexandre Moreira. Bossacucanova achieved significant success by blending bossa nova with electronic beats, earning a Latin Grammy nomination for their album "Brasilidade" (2002) and topping international charts with "Our Kind of Bossa" (2013).

As a solo artist, Marcelinho da Lua has released several award-winning albums, including "Tranqüilo" (2003) and "Social" (2007), both recognized with the Prêmio TIM de Música for Best Electronic Album. He has also collaborated with a diverse range of artists such as Seu Jorge, Mart'nália, Fernanda Takai, and Marcelo D2, and his music has been featured in international productions like the FIFA 06 video game. Marcelinho da Lua's work consistently explores the intersections of organic and electronic sounds, international and Brazilian influences, solidifying his reputation as a versatile and influential figure in contemporary Brazilian music.