Michael Pipoquinha

Line up

Michael Pipoquinha – vocals/bass
Thiago Almeida – keyboards
Josué Lopez – saxophone
Renato Galv – drums

Brazilian bassist and composer Michael Pipoquinha is regarded as one of the most exciting voices of his generation. Victor Wooten has described him as a musician who “takes the bass to a new level,” and in 2025 Pipoquinha enters a new chapter in his career with his most ambitious project to date: an album consisting entirely of his own compositions, where he also steps forward as both vocalist and producer.

Pipoquinha hails from Limoeiro do Norte in northeastern Brazil and began performing professionally at just 11 years old. Since then, he has collaborated with some of the country’s most influential artists — including Djavan, Gilberto Gil, Hamilton de Holanda, Ivan Lins, Elba Ramalho, and Chico César — establishing himself as a musician whose expression is shaped by both virtuosity and deep musical sensitivity. His international journey includes major festivals across Latin America, European tours, performances in the Middle East, and teaching at Brazil Camp in California and Berklee College of Music in Boston.

His discography shows a clear evolution and a continuous exploration of new musical spaces — from his debut Cearencinho (2014) to the critically acclaimed Um Novo Tom (2023), which became a bestseller on Bandcamp’s instrumental chart.

In 2025, Pipoquinha releases his new album A Minha Pele, recorded at Gargolândia Studio and featuring guest appearances from international names such as John Patitucci, Victor Wooten, and Richard Bona. The album marks a turning point, placing him at the center as a composer and storyteller. The title track “A Minha Pele” explores themes of identity, experience, and belonging, delving into a musical landscape he himself describes as “Afro groove” — a fusion of African impulses and the Brazilian traditions he stems from.

When Michael Pipoquinha visits Cosmopolite Scene on April 17, he brings music that reflects both his personal journey and what lies ahead in a new artistic chapter. This is a rare opportunity to experience one of Brazil’s most remarkable young musicians at a moment when he stands in the midst of creative renewal.