Dendê is a Brazilian percussionist, singer, composer, bandleader, teacher, and multi-instrumentalist. He grew up in Salvador de Bahia, Brazil, raised by a single mother in a household that followed the AfroBrazilian faith. As music and dance are central elements of Candomblé practice, its ceremonies served as the earliest musical sounds experienced by Dendê.
He has been a professional musician since the age of 14, when he appeared in the front line of Timbalada, Carlinhos Brown’s spectacular percussion ensemble. Since 2001, Dendê has been splitting his time between the United States and Bahia, working with his own ensembles.
Dendê’s leading group, Dendê & Band reflects the wide range of musical influences that characterize his music, from roots in traditions like samba de roda and Candomblé to his musical appetite for other world music rhythms like rumba, afrobeat and mbalax.
Dendê & Band have performed at major festivals and venues.
Discography:
Agô (Ropeadope Records, 2022)
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.