Zé Ricardo

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Also known as

José Ricardo Santana de Farias

Years active

1990s

Genres

mpb, samba, soul, funk, samba-funk

Instruments

violão

Biography

José Ricardo Santana de Farias, artistically known as Zé Ricardo, was born in Rio de Janeiro in 1971. The son of a fan of American black music and an enthusiast of samba and choro, Zé Ricardo developed a refined musical sense from an early age. He began his career in the 1990s as a member of the group Fibra de Vidro alongside David Moraes. His music is marked by the fusion of Brazilian rhythms with soul, funk, and jazz, creating a unique sound that has earned him praise from specialized critics.

Throughout his career, Zé Ricardo has established himself not only as a singer and songwriter, but also as an important artistic director. Since 2008, he has been the curator of the Palco Sunset at Rock in Rio, a position that puts him at the forefront of musical curation for major festivals. His innovative vision in this space is responsible for promoting unprecedented musical encounters and experiences that transcend genres, making the Palco Sunset one of the highlights of the festival.

In addition to his work at Rock in Rio, Zé Ricardo also acts as a musical curator at other prominent events, such as RIO2C and the Salvador Summer Festival. With a career spanning over 30 years, he moves masterfully between art and management, connecting artists, brands, and audiences in projects that celebrate diversity and "brasilidade." His work is recognized for its ability to unite purpose, lightness, and impact, reaffirming the transformative power of music.