Mopho

Origin

Maceió, AL

Years Active

1996–currently

Genres

psychedelic rock, rock, hard rock, folk rock, progressive rock

Instruments

guitar, vocals, drums, bass, keyboards, violão

Biography

Mopho is a Brazilian rock band formed in Maceió, Alagoas, in 1996. The band is known for its psychedelic rock sound, often described as a retro-60s and 70s Brazilian rock, with influences from bands like Mutantes, Beatles, and Pink Floyd. The current lineup consists of João Paulo (guitar, vocals), Hélio Pisca (drums), Junior Bocão (bass, vocals), and Dinho Zampier (keyboards).

The band's origins trace back to 1989 in Arapiraca, Alagoas, when João Paulo and Junior Bocão formed a Beatles cover band. In 1994, João Paulo moved to Maceió and formed Água Mineral, a rock and roll and blues band, which was renamed Mopho in 1996. The name "Mopho" originated from friends' jokes, suggesting the band would "mopho" (rot or stagnate) in the studio, a playful reference to the burgeoning Manguebeat movement in Recife.

Mopho gained national recognition with their self-titled debut album in 2000, released by the independent label Baratos Afins. This album was critically acclaimed and led to invitations to prominent independent music festivals such as Abril Pro Rock, Porão do Rock, and Festival de Inverno de Garanhuns. The album even charted on the KALX radio station in Berkeley, California, and received praise from notable Brazilian musicians like Arnaldo Baptista and maestro Rogério Duprat. Over their career, Mopho has released several other albums, including "Sine Diabolo Nullus Deus" (2004), "Volume 3" (2011), "Brejo" (2017), and "Que Fim Levou Meu Sorriso" (2021), solidifying their place as a significant force in Brazilian psychedelic rock.

Discography

• Mopho (2000)
• Sine Diabolo Nullus Deus (2004)
• Vol. 3 (2011)
• Brejo (2017)