Mario Bakuna is a London-based Brazilian composer, singer, and guitar player, with decades of performing and arranging experience. We asked him about his life in music, and his upcoming Alberta concert dates.
“Each role I play in music blends to create a dynamic musical experience,” he says. “Composing allows me to craft the core elements of a piece, while arranging brings it to life with instrumentation and structure. Singing adds emotional depth, and playing guitar adds layers of texture and rhythm. While I love them all, playing acoustic guitar holds a special place in my heart.”
He got his start in music through his family’s influence. “My father was a musician, and he introduced me to music and the guitar at a young age. That was my first instrument.”
When asked about the influence Brazilian music has on the world, Bakuna says that Brazilian music weaves together a diverse range of cultural influences, from Afro-Brazilian rhythms to the fusion with European and North American melodies and harmonies. “This fusion has led to the creation of unique musical styles and iconic genres like samba, bossa nova, and tropicália,” he says, “and each contributes to Brazil’s vibrant musical landscape that captivates audiences globally.”
Bakuna is thrilled to be playing for the first time in Alberta. “The opportunity to share my music all over the world is incredibly exciting. I can’t wait to connect with the audience and experience the energy and enthusiasm of Alberta’s music scene. Every time I have the opportunity to perform for a new audience I feel like it’s a new chapter in my musical journey, and I’m looking forward to making unforgettable memories in Alberta.”
When asked to choose a song to send out to our audience, he suggests something by Antônio Carlos Jobim. “Jobim is my favorite composer and one of the greatest Brazilian artists of all time. He played a major role in introducing Brazilian music to a global audience.”
Mario Bakuna plays at Edmonton’s Yardbird Suite on May 11, and at Asylum for Art in Calgary on May 12.
