FM
History
Born in Rio de Janeiro, Da Fonseca started playing drums when he was thirteen. He moved to New York City in 1975 and was the founder and leader of Brazilian All Stars, Brazilian Express, and the New York Samba Band. He was a teacher at the Drummers Collective and wrote an instructional book, Brazilian Rhythms for Drumset. Since 1986, he has been a founding member and co-leader of Trio da Paz, a band he started with bassist Nilson Matta and guitarist Romero Lubambo.
At fourteen, while living in Rio, Duduka formed his first Samba Jazz Trio, Bossa Trio, with his brother Miguel playing bass. In his 20s, Duduka co-founded Mandengo, a Samba Jazz Sextet featuring Raul Mascarenhas (tenor sax), Mauro Senise (alto sax), Barrozinho (trumpet), Tony Botelho (acoustic bass), and Tomás Improta (piano). Mandengo performed together for many years until Duduka moved to New York in 1975.
