Carlos Cesar Motta
drummer and percussionist from Rio de Janeiro
takes part in important projects on the music scene in Brazil and Europe
African influences in the genesis of Brazilian and Latin music
Carlos Cesar Motta, a drummer and percussionist from Rio de Janeiro now based in Portugal, plays concerts and takes part in important projects on the music scene in Brazil and Europe. For more than 10 years, he worked as a musician for singer Maria Bethânia, considered one of the most important artists in Brazilian Popular Music. With Maria Bethânia, Carlos Cesar recorded three live DVDs and performed in various cities around the world.
He began his studies at the age of 12 with masters Dámaso Cerruti and Bituca, and later with Marcos Suzano, Ney de Oxóssi, Xande Figueiredo, Celsinho Silva, Oscar Bolão and Edu Ribeiro. Carlos Cesar has a degree in Music Education from UNIRIO.
In 2018, he started the Carlos Cesar Trio project and, in 2023, he released his first solo album, entitled “Viramar”. As a researcher, Carlos Cesar is developing a method for adapting Brazilian percussion patterns to the drums. He also gives masterclasses in various cities in Brazil and Europe, teaching about African influences in the genesis of Brazilian and Latin music.
Carlos Cesar has performed at major venues such as Carnegie Hall (New York), Salle Pleyel (Paris), SouthBank Centre (London), Haus der Kulturen der Welt (Berlin) and Kennedy Center (Washington DC).
Throughout his career, he has accompanied artists such as Maria Bethânia, Nana Caymmi, Elza Soares, Dori Caymmi, Simone, Zélia Duncan, Dona Ivone Lara, Elton Medeiros, Monarco, Luca Argel, Zé Renato, Roberta Sá, Nicolas Krassik, Trio Madeira Brasil, among others.
