Tupi Nagô is a name that evokes ethnic mixing. It unites two peoples that are key elements of Brazilian culture, the Tupi Indians and the Nago people of Nigeria; country of origin for many African slaves brought to Brazil.

Silvano Michelino, composer and percussionist, was born in Sao Paolo. While remaining closely connected to the Brazilian music scene and its new generation of artists, Silvano has been living in Paris for several years now, immersed in a diverse and cosmopolitan variety of musical trends.

Silvano proposed an autonomous core of six percussionists and three singers who were joined by various melodic and harmonic instruments for the album " Abra Cada Brasil ".

Taking their inspiration from the percussion and voice ensembles found in traditional celebrations and ceremonies all over South America and Africa, the group has moved away from purely Brazilian influences.

The lyrics come from Silvano and Chico Cesar, as well as the two African singer-enchanters, Lulendo Mvulu and So Kalmery.

Contagion happens naturally, with a luminous touch from a few well chosen guests: the guitars of Marcio Faraco, Marcelo Ferreira or Eric Sauviat, the bass of Etienne M'Bappe or Thierry Fanfant, the sabar of Arona N'Diaye Rose, Vincent Boucher's harmonica and Abdenour Djema's banjo- the whole mix topped off with some subtle arrangements and keyboards by Celia Reggiani.

Accompanying Silvano are the percussionists Dada Vianna, Ze Luis, Fabrice Thomas, Bira, Luis Augusto, and the voices of Luma, Christina Violle and Cathy Renoir.

This music impresses by the originality of his rhythms and his unique way of reworking traditional atmospheres in an original way.

Tupi-Nagô in a few dates

1990 Tupi Nago was born in Paris. It united a dozen musicians, mostly percussionists, under the direction of Marcos China, Capoeira master, and the singer Regina Celia.

DISCOGRAPHY

1992 Recording of their first album "Do Brasil", produced by Silvano Michelino, and inspired by the new Brazilian styles like the Samba-Reggae "soul music" from Salvador de Bahia.

A single, "Nena", lyrics by Etienne Roda-Gil, music by Silvano Michelino and Celia Reggiani
Concert at the Bastille for the Fête de la Musique.

1993 Concert at the Olympia with Caetano Veloso
Festival Brazil, in Le Havre
The Jazz Festival in Nice.

1996 Marcos China returns to Brazil

1997 Regina Celia moves to Reunion Island
Silvano Michelino takes charge of the group's direction

1999 Olivier Bloch Lainé and Silvano Michelino begin work on the new album at the La Frette Studio

2001 Release of the album "Abra Cada Brasil" (Faces / Night & Day)

 

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