Waldo Squash

Origin

Muaná, PA

Years active

2000s

Genres

tecnobrega, eletromelody, electronic music, carimbó, techno, house, cumbia, samba, pagode, drum and bass, eletrodance, tecnodance, brega, guitarrada

Instruments

synthesizer, sampler, drum machine, sequencer

Biography

Josivaldo, known professionally as Waldo Squash, is a Brazilian DJ, producer, and composer who emerged from the vibrant tecnobrega scene in Belém, Pará. Born in 1979 in Muaná, Pará, he was raised in Ananindeua and later moved to Barcarena. His musical journey began early, influenced by his father's passion for music and sound systems, a common fixture in Pará's culture. Waldo initially worked as an industrial mechanic before dedicating himself fully to music, a path that led him to collaborate with Maderito, forming the duo DJ Waldo Squash e Maderito Alucinado.

Waldo Squash is credited with pioneering the eletromelody style, an evolution of tecnobrega that incorporates elements of electronic dance music. This innovative sound, however, sometimes led to controversy, with authorities in Belém reportedly banning his music from parties due to alleged incidents of violence. This period saw him temporarily step away from music and even work as a mechanic in Rondônia. During this time, he was also briefly associated with the group Tecnoshow, which included Gaby Amarantos, a future star of tecnobrega.

He later became a key figure in Gang do Eletro, a group that fuses electronic music with carimbó and tecnobrega, and also resumed his collaboration with Gaby Amarantos. With Gang do Eletro, Waldo Squash has performed at renowned festivals like Terruá Pará, Rec Beat, and Sónar. His production work includes a significant contribution to Gaby Amarantos's 2012 album "Treme," earning him recognition from critics as one of Brazil's most creative electronic music producers. He has also remixed international artists such as Pet Shop Boys, showcasing the global reach of his innovative sound.