Trio Virgulino

Origin

São Paulo, SP

Years Active

1980

Genres

forró, forró pé-de-serra, forró universitário

Instruments

accordion, zabumba, triangle, vocals

Biography

Trio Virgulino is a renowned Brazilian forró pé-de-serra band with northeastern roots that established itself in the state of Sao Paulo starting in the 1980s. Initially founded by Enok Virgulino, his brother Jaime, and Adelmo Nascimento from Pernambuco, the group faced initial challenges in the capital of Sao Paulo before achieving national projection and becoming one of the pillars of so-called university forró. Throughout decades on the road and numerous released albums, the group's lineup has gone through several transformations, featuring the leadership of Roberto Pinheiro on the zabumba, as well as the later addition of new talents like Robson Pinheiro on the accordion, and more recently the expansion into a quartet with the inclusion of Denise and Zumbi.

The ensemble's trajectory is marked by an intense tour schedule and major collaborations with great icons of national music, such as Caetano Veloso, Elba Ramalho, Dominguinhos, Moraes Moreira, and Osvaldinho do Acordeom. With striking albums like "Beijo Moreno," "Coração Feliz," and "Forró do Futuro," the group took the contagious energy of the northeastern rhythm beyond Brazilian borders, undertaking international tours in countries like France, England, and the United States. The trio's pioneering support for university performances in the 1990s laid the foundation for the emergence of important exponents of the genre, such as Falamansa, Bicho de Pé, and Rastapé.

Staying true to the traditions of forró pé-de-serra while continuing to innovate, the band celebrates decades of history by promoting cultural rescue and the typical joy of June festivities. The arrival of new members and the constant renewal of the repertoire ensure the artistic relevance of the project, which continues to travel throughout Brazil bringing its irreverent sound. As true godfathers of the university movement, the musicians of Trio Virgulino perpetuate a legacy of resistance and celebration of northeastern identity in Brazilian popular music.

Discography

• Beijo Moreno (1986)
• Trio Virgulino Ao Vivo (1996)
• Forró & Paixão (1998)
• O Beijo que Você Me Deu (1999)
• Forró do Futuro (2004)
• Coração Feliz (2004)
• Isto Sim É São João! (2007)
• 26 Anos de Estrada (2008)
• Isso Aqui Tá Bom Demais (2009)
• Forró de Todos os Tempos (2010)
• Vida de Forró (2011)
• Trio Virgulino no Estúdio Showlivre (Ao Vivo) (2019)
• Forró Raiz 15+ (Vol. 3) (2025)