Maracatu Workshop with Humberto Porto

The workshop will bring the attendees a bit of knowledge about

Maracatu history as well as some understanding of the rhythmic language particular to

Maracatu, notably Maracatu Estrela Brilhante do Recife, where most of Humberto’s

influence comes from.

In the workshops, attendees will have the opportunity to learn the basic patterns for

each instrument; intro and ending; one song.

Attendees are expected to bring their instrument of choice. Ideally, maracatu

instruments such as bombos/alfais, Maracatu caixas, mineiros (ganza), gongue and Agbê.

Samba instruments can be accommodated.

Attendees bringing surdos need also to bring a towel and “clips” or tape to muffle the

sound of the surdos.

Samba caixas are welcome as well as agogôs. Please no repique, tamborins or samba

shakers.

Who is Humberto Porto?

Originally from Rio de Janeiro, Humberto is a percussionist, musician and educator who

grew up in Brasilia and had contact with several forms of Brazilian street cultural

expressions in Brasília, Rio and Pernambuco. He lived in Toronto for the last almost 20

years where he performed in music venues and street festivals as a musician playing

Brazilian strings, as a percussionist playing a diversity of percussion instruments and

traditions from Brazil, in many different groups. Humberto Porto has collaborated with

many artist of international expression including Alexandre Garnizé, Pitoco de Ayra Aline

Morales and others. Based in Melbourne since beginning of 2021, Humberto founded

Baque Voador, a project intended to spread Afro-Brazilian culture, noticeably Maracatu

de Baque Virado, through workshops and performances. He has also idealized Forró

Lamparina. A music group performing a distinct type of music from northeast of Brazil

called forró. Baque Voador and Forró Lamparina have been growing rapidly in public

attention and performing consistently in Melbourne suburbs and surroundings towns.