Marcelo Menezes

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Years Active

1991

Genres

samba, choro, MPB

Instruments

guitar, vocals

Biography

Marcelo Menezes is a Brazilian singer, composer, and guitarist renowned for his contributions to samba and choro music. Born in Rio de Janeiro on June 30, 1966, Menezes developed a passion for music early on, influenced by his father, Rozendo Menezes, who frequented samba and choro circles in Rio.

Menezes began his professional musical journey in 1991 as a member of the samba and choro group Dobrando a Esquina. With this ensemble, he accompanied renowned artists such as Walter Alfaiate, Cristina Buarque, and Elton Medeiros, further honing his skills and expanding his network within the Brazilian music scene. His early career also saw him participating in numerous choro and samba gatherings in Rio de Janeiro, solidifying his presence in the vibrant local music culture.

In 2007, Menezes relocated to Guarulhos, São Paulo, where he continued to develop his solo career. He has released several acclaimed albums, including "Dobrando a Esquina" (2003) with his group, "Festejo" (2017), "Guardião" (2019) in partnership with Paulo César Pinheiro, "Marcelo Menezes" (2022), and "Mafuá" (2023). His music is characterized by its fluent and communicative style, deeply rooted in the traditional samba and choro of Rio de Janeiro while also exploring new genres and collaborations. Menezes has worked with a diverse range of artists, including Geraldo Azevedo, Áurea Martins, Zé Renato, Fabiana Cozza, and Renato Braz, showcasing his versatility and commitment to the rich tapestry of Brazilian music.

Discography

• Festejo: Marcelo Menezes por Água de Moringa (2017)
• Guardião (2019)
• Marcelo Menezes (2022)
• Mafuá (2023)
• Lamentos (2024)