MPB-4

Origin

Niterói, RJ

Also known as

MPB4, Conjunto MPB-4, M.P.B.4, M.P.B., MBP-4, MPB, MPE-4

Years Active

1965–present

Genres

samba, MPB, Latin pop, Latin music, Latin jazz, jazz, bossa nova

Biography

MPB-4, an acronym for Música Popular Brasileira 4, is a highly influential vocal and instrumental group formed in Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, in 1965. Widely regarded as one of Brazil's premier vocal interpretation groups, MPB-4 has consistently focused on MPB and samba, prioritizing artistic integrity over commercial success. The group's journey began when its members met through the Centro Popular de Cultura (CPC) affiliated with the União Nacional dos Estudantes (UNE). Initially known as Quarteto do CPC, they adopted the name MPB-4 after the 1964 Brazilian coup d'état.

Throughout their career, MPB-4 has been celebrated for their sophisticated lyrics, melodies, and harmonies, often incorporating social commentary into their music, especially during the period of military dictatorship in Brazil. They have frequently collaborated with prominent Brazilian artists such as Quarteto em Cy, Toquinho, and Chico Buarque, with whom they recorded the iconic song "Roda Viva" in 1967. Their partnership with Chico Buarque was particularly significant, lasting through the mid-1970s. MPB-4 has also lent their voices to Disney animated films, including "The Jungle Book" and "Dumbo."

MPB-4 has received numerous accolades, including the Sharp prize for best MPB group in 1987, 1989, and 1995. In 2001, they celebrated 36 years of career with the same formation, a feat recognized by the Brazilian edition of the Guinness Book of Records. Despite the passing of founding members Ruy Faria and Magro, the group has continued to record and perform, with current members including Aquiles Reis, Dalmo Medeiros, Miltinho, and Paulo Malaguti Pauleira. In 2024-2025, MPB-4 is celebrating 60 years of career with a commemorative album featuring collaborations with many artists who have marked their six decades, such as Chico Buarque and Milton Nascimento.

Discography

• MPB4 (1966)
• Aracy de Almeida, Ismael Silva, MPB-4, Carlos Poyares, Conjunto Samba Autêntico, Grupo Mensagem, Partido Alto – Samba Pede Passagem (1966)
• MPB4 (1968)
• Deixa Estar... (1970)
• De Palavra em Palavra (1971)
• Cicatrizes (1972)
• República do Peru (ao Vivo) (1973)
• Antologia (1974)
• Palhaços e Reis (1974)
• Rua República do Peru (ao Vivo) (1974)
• 10 Anos Depois (1975)
• República de Ugunga (ao Vivo) (1975)
• Canto dos Homens (1976)
• MPB4 no Safari (Ao Vivo) (1976)
• Recital (Ao Vivo) (1976)
• Antologia do Samba - Vol. II (1977)
• MPB4, Quarteto em Cy – Cobra de Vidro (1978)
• Bons Tempos, Hein?! (1979)
• Sérgio Ricardo, Ziraldo, MPB4, Quarteto em Cy – Flicts (1980)
• Vira Virou (1980)
• Adivinha o que É (1981)
• Tempo Tempo (1982)
• Caminhos Livres (1983)
• 4 Coringas (1984)
• MPB-4 Interpreta Chico Buarque (1985)
• Feitiço Carioca - Do MPB4 para Noel Rosa (1987)
• Amigo É pra Essas Coisas (1989)
• Sambas da Minha Terra (1991)
• MPB-4 Canta Milton (1993)
• A Arte de Cantar (1995)
• Vivo - Melhores Momentos (1996)
• Quarteto em Cy / MPB4 – Bate Boca (1997)
• Bate Boca - As Músicas de Tom Jobim & Chico Buarque (1997)
• Quarteto em Cy & MPB4 – Somos Todos Iguais (1999)
• MPB4 e a Nova Música Brasileira (2000)
• MPB4, Quarteto em Cy – Vinícius - A Arte do Encontro (2000)
• MPB4, Roberto Silva, Luiz Tatit, Vésper Vocal – 180 Anos de Samba (2001)
• Tributo a Adoniran & Noel (180 Anos de Samba Cantando) (2002)
• 40 Anos Ao Vivo (2006)
• 40 Anos Ao Vivo (Ao Vivo; Teatro SESC Vila Mariana, São Paulo, May 17th, 2006) (2006)
• Toquinho & MPB4 – 40 Anos de Música (2008)
• 40 Anos de Música [Ao Vivo] (2009)
• Contigo Aprendi (2011)
• 50 Anos - O Sonho, A Vida, A Roda Viva! (2016)
• O Sonho, a Vida, a Roda Viva! (2016)
• Clássicos na Voz do MPB4 (Ao Vivo) (2016)
• O Sonho, a Vida, a Roda Viva! - 50 Anos Ao Vivo (2017)
• 4 (Ao Vivo) (2018)
• Barra Pesada, MPB4 Ao Vivo nos Anos 70 (2019)
• Barra Pesada (Ao Vivo) (2019)
• 60 Anos de Mpb (2024)
• MPB4 Sinfônico (2026)