Carlos de Oliveira, “CACO”, is a Rio de Janeiro native, master percussionist, and expert on Brazilian and Afro Brazilian culture.

He’s studied and done extensive research on Afro Brazilian culture, co-founded several Afro-based percussion ensembles, recorded and performed with many well-known names in Brazilian music, served as a judge for São Paulo’s samba school parade and been a judge for the Festival de Musica e Artes Olodum (FEMADUM, now the largest festival of Afro-based music produced by a Bloco Afro in Brazil).

Caco’s experience, knowledge, and an unwavering commitment to the African roots in Brazilian culture inspired him to start Samba Nation Productions.

Formally trained in music at: UNIRIO
Co-founder of: Afro based percussion ensembles in Rio - Agbara Dudu, Oju Oba Axe, Orunmila, Lemi Ayo;
Founder of: Cristal Eventos – production company in Brazil
Recorded: soundtrack to film, “Chico Rei”
Recorded with: Milton Nascimento, Martinho da Vila, Serginho Meriti, Luis Melodia . . .
Fun fact: Caco started playing Afro Brazilian rhythms on percussion at age 6, in his family’s terreiro, or Afro Brazilian religious temple.