Wallace Negão is a Rio de Janeiro-born singer, songwriter, and master cavaquinho player. He infuses his samba roots with jazz, soul, funk, and world music, creating his signature Samba Fusion style. His musical journey has taken him to stages worldwide, from performing at the Montreux Jazz Festival to Hotel Ziggy in Los Angeles. Wallace’s unique voice and cavaquinho prowess are at the heart of his captivating performances. His 2024 release, “Tambor Falou,” co-written with Sergio Bacalhau, introduces listeners to his unique sound and invites them to join his Samba Fusion journey.
Tambor Falou
Written by Wallace Negão & percussionist/ songwriter Sergio Bacalhau, Tambor Falou honors the vibrant tapestry of Brazilian culture by merging the rhythmic spirit of traditional samba with the emotive elements of jazz, soul, and funk music. This testament of Samba Fusion not only honors Brazil’s musical heritage but also showcases how diverse genres can come together to form a unique identity. Lyrically the song celebrates the Brazilian martial art Capoeira, that incorporates elements of dance, music, acrobatics, and spirituality.
TAMBOR FALOU was produced, arranged, and mixed by American music producer and composer Dani Mendez with featured horn arrangements by trumpeter and composer João Lenhari.
Ma Cherie Amour
As Wallace grew up in Rio the Stevie Wonder classic “My Cherie Amour” was often played on the radio. The song’s wonderful melody is how Wallace came to appreciate and befriend American music. For his first release as a solo artist, Wallace paid homage to Stevie and this musical experience by creating Ma Cherie Amour – the first Portuguese version with lyric adaptation and percussion performed by Christophe Monteiro. In this adaptation, he invites us to take another stroll between Rio de Janeiro and New York, between Copacabana and the beaches of California with his Samba Fusion.
WALLACE LIVE
In addition to numerous Brazilian stages, Wallace has performed at some of Europe’s best-known events and venues, such as the Montreux Jazz Festival and La Petite Halle in Paris.
The release of Ma Cherie Amour enabled him to begin performing in the United States. Whatever the event or venue, Wallace’s high-energy performances always encourage audiences to dance and celebrate the richness of Brazilian culture.
