About us.

Gafieira Rio Miami

 

Gafieira Rio Miami is a dynamic Brazilian big band based in Miami, composed of 11 talented musicians from diverse backgrounds. Their mission is to showcase the joy and richness of Brazilian culture through music, while also promoting the vibrant art of gafieira dance by collaborating with remarkable partners worldwide.

Founded by Brazilian Latin Grammy-winner Diogo Brown, Gafieira Rio Miami breathes new life into gafieira, a lively cultural movement that flourished in Brazil during the 1940s and '50s. Originating from Rio de Janeiro, gafieira is more than just a musical genre; it's a way of life. These dance halls were hubs of creativity, where samba, waltz, and tango rhythms merged to create a unique, expressive sound that defied social conventions of the time.

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In 2020, Diogo Brown’s vision came to life with the creation of Gafieira Rio Miami, an eclectic 11-piece band that seamlessly blends Brazilian musical traditions with international influences. As the band’s bassist and music director explains, gafieira is not limited to one style but embraces a range of genres such as chorinho, pagode, and maxixe. The band unites musicians from Venezuela, Cuba, Brazil, and the United States, reflecting Miami's rich cultural tapestry.

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"Nothing like this band existed here in the US — and I don't think it exists anywhere else outside Brazil," notes Gene De Souza, the band's manager and executive producer. As a long-time radio host in South Florida and booking agent for artists such as Marisa Monte, and Djavan, De Souza has extensive experience presenting Brazilian music in North America. "When I saw that first video of the band rehearsing in Diogo's backyard, and I heard the arrangements, the samba rhythm, I knew this was something special," he says

 

“This is Brazilian music to wake the dead. It is explosive, it is joyful, performed by talented musicians and singers.” – Herencia Latina 

 

“The group is big because it’s a big vision with a big sound. There are few bands outside of Brazil playing this brand of classic samba with a contemporary flare for people to get up and dance.” - Fine Lifestyle SW