Robertinho Silva

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Years Active

1960

Genres

jazz, brazilian instrumental music, samba, bossa nova

Instruments

drums, percussion

Biography

Robertinho Silva, born in Rio de Janeiro, is a renowned self-taught drummer and percussionist who began his musical journey in childhood. Throughout his career, he became a central figure in defining the language of Brazilian drumming, sharing this recognition with great instrumentalists such as Edison Machado, Airto Moreira, Dom Um Romão, and Nenê. His notoriety began to consolidate in the late 1960s when he joined the group Som Imaginário, alongside musicians such as Wagner Tiso and Tavito.

In addition to his innovative instrumental work, Robertinho stood out for his memorable stage and studio partnerships with icons of national and international music. He worked for over two decades alongside Milton Nascimento and collaborated extensively with artists such as João Donato, Tom Jobim, Gilberto Gil, João Bosco, Toninho Horta, Gal Costa, Chico Buarque, Egberto Gismonti, and Nana Caymmi. His live performances are marked by technical virtuosity and a unique expressiveness that frequently captivates audiences.

Currently, the drummer dedicates himself body and soul to his solo career, in-depth research into Brazilian folkloric rhythms, and educational projects through workshops and masterclasses. He also carries out artistic work with the Família Silva, which brings together his musician children, and collaborates with theater and dance companies. With a robust solo discography marked by a constant search for Brazil's rhythmic roots, Robertinho Silva remains a living reference for percussion in the country.

Discography

• Robertinho Silva (1981)
• MPBC - Robertinho Silva (Música Popular Brasileira Contemporânea) (1981)
• Bateria (1983)
• Luiz Eça, Robertinho Silva, Luiz Alves – Triângulo (1985)
• Bodas de Prata (1989)
• LOVE, CARNIVAL AND DREAMS (1994)
• Shot On Goal (Perigo de Gol) (1995)
• Robertinho Silva & Ney Conceição – Jaquedu (2005)
• Raul de Souza com/with João Donato, Luiz Alves & Robertinho Silva – Bossa Eterna (2008)
• Robertinho Silva & Alexandre Birkett – Brasilian Mixture (2009)
• Dadaiô (2009)
• Eduardo Machado & Robertinho Silva – União (2011)
• Eduardo Machado & Robertinho Silva – União 2 (2016)
• União, Vol. 2 (2016)
• Dança Percussiva (2017)
• Bom Tempo (2017)
• Cachorro à Vista (2017)
• Duofel, Carlos Malta, Robertinho Silva – Duo + Dois (2019)
• Estações (2019)
• Rio Comprido (2020)
• Nascimento das Canções (2021)
• Robertinho Silva 80 Anos - Músicas de Trabalho, Rítmos e Cadências do Brasil (2021)
• Salve o Ritmo (2023)
• Tanajura (2025)
• AOS POVOS DA FLORESTA (2026)
• Alexandre Birkett, Robertinho Silva – Cordas e Tambores