Suba

Origin

Novi Sad, Yugoslavia

Also known as

Mitar Subotić, Rex Ilusivii

Years active

1982–1999

Genres

electronic, international, brazilian, experimental rock, ambient music, minimal music, latin rock, bossa nova, acid jazz, downtempo

Instruments

keyboards, piano, synthesizer

Biography

Mitar Subotić, known professionally as Suba, was a Serbian-born musician, composer, and producer who left an indelible mark on the Brazilian music scene in the 1990s. Arriving in Brazil in 1990 with a UNESCO scholarship, Suba quickly established himself as a pivotal figure in integrating electronic sounds into Brazilian pop music. His innovative approach blended traditional Brazilian rhythms with modern electronic textures, earning him acclaim and collaborations with a diverse range of artists.

Suba's influence extended beyond his own productions; he was a sought-after producer for many prominent Brazilian musicians. His production credits include acclaimed albums such as Bebel Gilberto's "Tanto Tempo," Marina Lima's "Pierrot do Brasil," Edgard Scandurra's "Benzina," and Mestre Ambrósio's "Fuá na Casa de Cabral." His work was characterized by a unique ability to fuse disparate musical elements, creating a sound that was both contemporary and deeply rooted in Brazilian musical traditions.

His solo album, "São Paulo Confessions," released in 1999, received widespread praise from international music publications for its innovative sound and its evocative portrayal of São Paulo. Tragically, Suba passed away in a fire in his São Paulo apartment on November 2, 1999, shortly after the album's release and while working on Bebel Gilberto's "Tanto Tempo." The SUBA Institute was later established to honor his memory and continue his artistic legacy.