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77-year-old Carioca percussionist to be honored on the Hollywood Walk of Fame after decades of bringing Brazilian percussion to historic international pop recordings.
Brazilian music reaches a historic milestone this Wednesday (13). The 77-year-old Carioca percussionist Paulinho da Costa will receive a star on the traditional Hollywood Walk of Fame.
The artist becomes the first Brazilian born in Brazil to receive this honor. Previously, only Carmen Miranda, born in Portugal, had received this recognition.
The ceremony took place on Vine Street and was broadcast live at 3 PM, Brasília time.
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International recognition consolidates historic trajectory
During the 1970s and 1980s, Paulinho da Costa became a world reference for Brazilian percussion. During this period, the musician participated in recordings with Madonna, Michael Jackson, Elton John, and Earth, Wind & Fire.
As he stated to Forbes Brasil, the percussionist mentioned that he participated in numerous albums and international hits. The trajectory, according to him, was always guided by respect for each artist’s music.
Paulinho also highlighted that the honor represents direct recognition of his work, professionalism, and presence in the international music industry.
Career began in music circles in Rio de Janeiro
Even in childhood, Paulinho began his relationship with percussion in popular and religious environments in Rio de Janeiro. The musician participated in music circles at the Festa da Igreja da Penha and attended candomblé terreiros.
Later, he became a rhythm player in the youth wing of Portela, one of the most traditional samba schools in the country.
The international breakthrough occurred when he started playing with the band Brasil ’77, led by Sérgio Mendes. In 1973, the percussionist moved to Los Angeles, where he has lived ever since.
Brazilian culture remains present in the musician’s life
Even living outside Brazil for decades, Paulinho maintains a strong connection with his origins. Married to Brazilian Arice da Costa, he stated that the couple speaks Portuguese at home.
The routine also includes Brazilian music, national films, and support for artists from the country who perform in California.
According to the percussionist, this performance transforms the couple into a kind of “ambassador” of Brazilian culture in the United States.
Documentary reveals behind-the-scenes of the percussionist’s career
Paulinho’s journey also gained prominence on screens. This year, Netflix released the documentary “The Groove Under the Groove: The Sounds of Paulinho da Costa”, sponsored by Johnnie Walker.
The production presents behind-the-scenes of the musician’s career and pays tribute to important partners in his journey. Among the names remembered are Quincy Jones, Lalo Schifrin, and Bill Withers.
According to Paulinho, the documentary took 11 years to be produced. The percussionist stated that he considers the work “almost a child”.
Brazilian legacy gains permanent space in Hollywood
The star on the Walk of Fame represents a new chapter for the Brazilian presence in Hollywood. The recognition also reinforces the relevance of the country’s artists in the construction of international pop music.
Paulinho da Costa definitively enters the history of the global music industry as one of the most influential percussionists of his generation.
Now, the question remains: how many other Brazilian artists will be able to achieve similar international recognition in the coming decades?
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