DIWAN TUNE SESSIONS | Maxixewith Matteo Carola

Matteo will introduce a maxixe, often described as the first truly urban popular dance music of Brazil. Emerging in Rio de Janeiro at the end of the 19th century, the maxixe combines European dance forms such as the polka with Afro-Brazilian rhythmic influences. Playful, syncopated and full of movement, it is considered an important precursor to samba and remains a fascinating window into the evolution of Brazilian music.

Matteo Carola is a musician trained in jazz guitar at the Royal Conservatory of Brussels. Alongside his studies and practice of jazz, he developed an early passion for Brazilian music.

First captivated by the guitar playing and distinctive voice of João Gilberto, he later discovered the music of Cartola and Nelson Cavaquinho through his guitar teacher Victor DaCosta. The rhythms, melodies and rich tradition of Brazilian string instruments, especially the seven-string guitar, immediately drew him in.

Shortly after graduating in 2012, Matteo discovered choro, one of Brazil’s most sophisticated and influential musical traditions. Fascinated by its depth and elegance, he travelled several times to Brazil to study the music, learn the cavaquinho, and immerse himself in the language and culture from which it emerged.

Today, Matteo regularly teaches choro at the Clube do Choro de Bruxelas. As a performer, he co-leads the group Amorosa with singer Stéphanie Scultore, creating Brazilian-inspired music with French lyrics. He is also active in several samba and choro projects, including Coletivo Saidera, while continuing to perform jazz and swing.