• Luminato 2023

Aline Morales

• Musician

A leading force in Canada’s Brazilian music scene, Juno-nominated Aline Morales delivers a personal and intimate perspective on contemporary Brazilian pop —  incorporating global folkloric and jazz elements with vintage Tropicalia and MPB. Morales’ strikingly clear and confident vocals shine alongside her evocative compositions and the lush arrangements contributed by long-time collaborator, producer and guitarist David Arcus.  

Also a highly-regarded percussionist, Morales has changed the face of Brazilian music in Canada through a wide range of projects, showcasing her strength and versatility as bandleader and instrumentalist. In Brazil, Aline received her musical training performing in a variety of both traditional and modern bands, including one of Brazil’s best-known maracatu groups, Nacao Estrela Brilhante do Recife, led by Aline’s mentor Mestre Walter de Franca.  

Since immigrating from her native Belo Horizonte in 2003, Morales has had a huge impact on Canada’s Brazilian and global music scenes. As co-leader of Toronto’s first maracatu drumming ensemble, Maracatu Nunca Antes, then as leader of her own 30-member strong percussion troupe, Baque de Bamba, she has been a tireless promoter of the traditional maracatu rhythms of north-eastern Brazil.