Carlos Dafé & Adrian Younge - JID025: Carlos Dafé (2025)

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Carlos Dafé & Adrian Younge - JID025: Carlos Dafé (2025)

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Carlos Dafe, born in Vila Isabel, Rio de Janeiro, grew up surrounded by music and poetry. His father, a chorinho player, and his mother, a poet, nurtured his talent from a young age. By four, he was correcting notes in his father’s rehearsals; by eleven, he was studying at the Conservatory of Music, and by fourteen, he was performing with ensembles and orchestras. In the 1970s, Dafé became a pillar of Brazil’s Black music movement, alongside Tim Maia, Cassiano, Wilson Simonal, and Banda Black Rio. Known as “The Prince of Soul,” a title bestowed by Nelson Motta, Dafé brought samba, soul, and funk into harmony, creating enduring hits like A Beleza É Você Menina.

Dafé’s career spans decades of collaborations, accolades, and cultural influence. From touring internationally with the Marine Corps band to composing film soundtracks, his contributions have shaped Brazil’s artistic identity. In Trem do Soul, a 2021 documentary about Rio’s Black cultural scene, Dafé’s work is celebrated as a cornerstone of the movement. His deep voice, poignant lyrics, and innovative sound have made him a mentor and a cultural icon for generations.

Adrian Younge first discovered Dafé’s work through the song “Pelas Sombras” from Arthur Verocai’s groundbreaking 1972 album, a work sampled by artists such as Dr. Who Dat? and Michael Da Vinci. They were introduced by Verocai himself, which led to their collaboration on Jazz Is Dead 025, which marks a bold new chapter in Dafé’s career. In Los Angeles, Dafé was captivated by Younge’s creative process. “I was in awe of the stupendous arrangements Adrian had created, so I made sure to leave plenty of space for the instrumentals to shine,” Dafé said. Alongside collaborators BID, Gabriel Moura, his wife Marilda, and son Jorge Mário Dafé, he wrote melodies, lyrics, and spoken-word passages inspired by stories he once told his children.

Dafé also sought spiritual inspiration during the recording process, visiting a nearby church to pray for guidance. Reflecting on a conversation with Tim Maia from the 1970s, he noted how Maia had predicted the rise of spoken-word pop music, foreshadowing rap. With this in mind, Dafé infused the album with vocal textures inspired by Barry White and rhythms that echo his soulful roots while embracing modern innovation. With Jazz Is Dead 025, Carlos Dafé reaffirms his legacy while venturing into uncharted musical territory.

The album celebrates Dafé’s extraordinary ability to bridge the past and present, blending soul, samba, and funk with contemporary experimentation. His story, voice, and artistry continue to inspire, making him not only a cornerstone of Brazilian Black music but a timeless figure in global music history.