Perpétuo Borborema

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Years active

1956–2019

Genres

forró, forró pé de serra, xaxado, baião

Instruments

zabumba, triângulo, voz

Biography

Perpétuo Borborema was a renowned Brazilian zabumba player, vocalist, and triangle player, born in Rio de Janeiro. Son of the also musician Zito Borborema and accordionist Chiquinha do Acordeon, Perpétuo began his musical journey at eight years of age, playing the triangle at forró dances in Ilha do Governador. His career was marked by a strong connection to forró pé de serra, the genre that consecrated him.

Throughout his career, Perpétuo was a member of several groups, such as "Os Filhos do Nordeste" and "Gaviões do Forró", before founding "Trio Pé de Serra" in the late 1990s. The original lineup featured Fidélis on the accordion and Robson on the zabumba, and remained active until 2006. In 2007, with the departure of some members, Perpétuo reassembled the trio with new partners, maintaining the essence of forró and performing an average of 20 shows per month.

Perpétuo Borborema's career was tragically interrupted in June 2019, when he passed away on stage during a performance, the victim of a heart attack. His departure left a void in the Brazilian forró scene, but his musical legacy and passion for art continue to inspire many.