Curumin are the “indigenous children” of Brazil. Luciano Nakata Albuquerque earned the moniker for his work reviving and refreshing the traditional sounds of the nation, blending bossa-nova and samba with hip-hop and seventies funk. A native of Sao Paulo, Brazil, Curumin began banging out rhythms on pots and pans at eight, by fourteen he was a highly sought after percussionist in night clubs around the city. After two decades in Brazil’s music industry, the artist signed with Bay Area based Quannum Projects in 2005, launching his career on the worldwide music scene. 

JapanPopShow, Curumin’s second album, was released in 2008, and features guest appearances by powerhouses like Blackalicious and Tommy Guerero. The album’s heavy electronic beats and unique take on classic samba styles have become anthems, hailed as a truly remarkable collection by The New York Times, Rolling Stone, and SPIN.  “Guerrierro” was tapped for commercial use by Nike, Miller, and the video game FIFA Street II. Curumin's performance at Stern Grove July 19 attracted special guests Ceu and Lateef the Truth Speaker, bringing his street smart samba to Bay Area listeners.