Ruban

Origin

Valença, RJ

Also known as

Rubens de Queiroz Barra, Ruben Barra

Years active

1971–present

Genres

MPB, funk, soul, samba, disco music

Instruments

guitar, keyboards, vocals

Biography

Rubens de Queiroz Barra, widely known as Ruban, is a Brazilian composer, instrumentalist, singer, and producer born in Valença, Rio de Janeiro, on May 5, 1950. His musical journey began in his childhood, and he developed a career marked by creativity and independence, navigating through various musical styles that gained prominence since the 1970s. Supported by his parents, Ruban started his career composing independently and in partnership with Mauro Assumpção. Together, they had their first success in 1971 with the song "Debandada Geral," featured on Paulo Diniz's album.

In the mid-1970s, during the disco music era, Ruban was a key figure in the creation of the group As Frenéticas. As a composer, alongside partners like Nelson Motta, Liminha, and Ronan Soares, he contributed to massive hits such as "Dancin' Days" and "Prazer em Conhecer," which sold hundreds of thousands of copies and became dance floor anthems. Ruban also served as the musical producer and keyboardist for As Frenéticas, touring internationally with the group. His early album, "Perfeitamente, Justamente Quando Cheguei," a fusion of funk, soul, samba, and MPB, was later rediscovered and reissued, becoming a cult classic in Brazilian music.

Ruban launched his solo singing career in the 1980s, releasing several singles, including "Cinderela," which became one of the most played songs in 1986. The same year saw the release of his only LP, "Vitrine," featuring the title track that also achieved significant radio play. Beyond his musical endeavors, Ruban spent 25 years at TV Globo, working as a musical producer for highly successful programs and telenovelas like "Big Brother Brasil," "Sai de Baixo," "Fantástico," "Laços de Família," and "O Clone." He also ventured into acting, portraying Aguinaldo Peixoto in "Escolinha do Professor Raimundo." Currently, Ruban continues to perform his original repertoire live, aiming to evoke nostalgic and joyful moments for his audience.