Munhoz & Mariano

Origin

Campo Grande, MS

Also known as

Frango e Toiço, Ricardo e Raphael, Munhoz e Mariano

Years Active

2006

Genres

sertanejo universitário, sertanejo romântico, arrocha, moda de viola, funk

Instruments

vocal, violão de doze cordas, guitar, viola

Biography

Munhoz & Mariano is a Brazilian sertanejo duo formed in 2006 by childhood friends Raphael Calux Munhoz Pinheiro (Munhoz) and Ricardo Mariano Bijos Gomes (Mariano). Both born in Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, they began their musical journey by playing for fun in local bars, initially known as "Ricardo & Raphael" before adopting their surnames as their stage names due to a pre-existing duo with the same name. Their early performances were often in informal settings, with modest pay, and they faced initial prejudice due to Mariano's deep voice contrasting with the typically higher-pitched vocals in sertanejo music, as well as their overtly sexual choreography.

The duo gained national recognition in 2010 after winning the "Garagem do Faustão" contest with their song "Sonho Bom," which led to performances at the Festival Pop Sertanejo. This breakthrough significantly increased their show frequency and opened doors to a broader audience. Their first live DVD, "Ao Vivo em Campo Grande," was released in 2011, followed by a second volume in 2012. The single "Camaro Amarelo" from 2012 became a massive hit, topping Brazilian charts and solidifying their status as popular artists.

Munhoz & Mariano's music blends romantic sertanejo with the more upbeat "sertanejo universitário" style, characterized by accessible lyrics about love, relationships, parties, and everyday life. They are known for their energetic live shows, which feature engaging choreography and audience interaction. Munhoz plays guitar, twelve-string guitar, and viola, while Mariano is the lead vocalist and also a composer. Their discography includes successful albums and singles such as "Balada Louca," "Seu Bombeiro," "Copo na Mão," and "Mulherão da Porra." The duo has also navigated personal challenges, including Mariano's successful treatment for a benign brain tumor discovered in 2016.