Who is Carlinhos Brown?

Carlinhos Brown is a musical force of nature and one of the most beloved and influential figures in Brazilian music and culture. Born Antonio Carlos Santos de Freitas in 1962 in Salvador, Bahia, he grew up initially studying percussion and drums with his uncle. He would eventually become one of the most important percussionists in Brazil, and has since gone on to produce and collaborate with some of the biggest names in Brazilian music.

The Rise of Carlinhos Brown

By the 1990s, Carlinhos had developed a unique sound that was heavily rooted in Afro-Brazilian influences, yet was grounded in rock, hip hop and a range of other musical styles. He achieved mainstream success with his 1997 album Omelete Man, which saw him collaborate with artists including Daniela Mercury, Lenine, Marisa Monte, Arnaldo Antunes and Chico Buarque.

Carlinhos Brown's Global Impact

Since then, Carlinhos has gone on to become an international ambassador for Brazilian music. His albums have been released around the world and he has collaborated with artists from different countries like Cuba's Los Van Van, France's Manu Chao, Mexico's Julieta Venegas and Spain's Alejandro Sanz. He has also scored films and won multiple awards including Latin Grammy Awards for Best Contemporary Pop Vocal Album (2002) and Best Brazilian Song (2010).

Celebrating Carlinhos Brown

In Brazil, Carlinhos has become something of an icon for his unique style and his commitment to championing Afro-Brazilian culture. His concerts are always highly anticipated events and he continues to tour around the world captivating audiences with his infectious energy. He is truly an inspiration whose influence will be felt for many years to come.