His style is sometimes called samba-funk, and it incorporates many jazz, bossa nova, and hip hop elements as well. His first two albums, Achados e Perdidos and Japanpopshow, were released by ybmusic. On the thirtd, but pioneering Arrocha (Six Degrees Records), he has built upon prior success in creating a melodically addicting and rhythmically potent exploration of modern Brazil.
Discovered by California hip-hop outfit Blackalicious on a 2005 South American tour, the duo helped Curumin gain international recognition by releasing his debut, Achados e Perdidos, in the United States. After successfully launching his presence in the States at CMJ that same year, he was quickly booked to perform at Chicago's World Music Festival and the M3 Conference the following year. Natalie Portman included his track 'Tudo Bern Malandro' on a compilation; when 'Guerreiro' was used in a Nike ad during the FIFA World Cup, the fame he never sought was ensured.
It was Curumin's second album, JapanPopShow, that really launched him in 2008. His unique fusing of samba, reggae, electronica, funk and hip-hop earned him gigs at Central Park Summerstage, Los Angeles's Grand Performances, the Montreal Jazz Fest, the Red Hot Rio +2 concert at Brooklyn's BAM and San Francisco's Stern Grove. He's performed alongside Femi Kuti, Jorge Ben, Money Mark, Blackalicious and Juana Molina, and earned glowing accolades from the NY Times, Spin, the Village Voice and Billboard.com.
Part of a wave of evolutionary Brazilian artists updating their native soundscape, this self-professed tropicalia and funk addict now delves deeply into the electronic sound of his MPC to control the direction. 'I created different atmospheres and textures from doing a lot of research with all of the albums I have here in my house,' he says. Being that his home would not cater to a full band set-up, Arrocha dives right into the heart of his intentions: it's a warm, sensitive journey featuring gorgeous melodies floating over a wash of spacious percussion, guitars and bass, while never losing the danceable beats that his culture demands.
Curukurombo
Curumin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Mandarim do mato
Mameluco caduco
Chega chegando e afim
Pode ver que é no trato
No toque e no style
No truque do Mandrake
Da Penha à Pequim
Bate-bola de pelada
Curupira de pé torto
Endiabrado querubim
Didi Mocó enmocozado
De dentro do seu rádio
Cantando engraçado
Sinistro e chinfrim
Pode pagar pra ver
Chama quem quiser
Um som sushi na chapa
Com DJ e tamborim
Usando uma rima
Quântica, Tântrica,
Atômica e canhota
Sensato como um macaco
(Nem Freud explica o meu papo)
Kung Fu furado
Comendo frango assado
Tocando cavaquinho
Pra ver se ganha o faz me rir
Macunaíma animado
Mandinga de macaco
Sem mancada e no trato
Diz aí tupiniquim
Telecoteco hip hop
Piripaque pop
Kurombo groove
Índio faz assim
In "Curukurombo", Curumin sings about himself and his diverse background. He identifies as a Paraguayan Indian, Mandarim (a type of monkey found in the Brazilian forest), and Mameluco (a person of mixed indigenous and European ancestry). He portrays himself as confident and ready to take on any challenges, with his unique touch and style. He also boasts about his skills as a percussionist and his ability to make music that transcends borders, from Penha to Beijing.
Curumin also references other cultural icons in his lyrics. He mentions Didi Mocó, a famous Brazilian comedian and actor, and describes him as funny but also mysterious and strange. He talks about his love for music, referring to it as "sushi na chapa" – a popular Brazilian dish made of grilled sushi – and envisions a gathering where people can come and enjoy DJ beats with tamborim (a type of percussion instrument). He also plays with words and phrases, using words like "quântica" and "tântrica" to describe his rhymes and puns on expressions like "Kung Fu furado" (meaning "fake Kung Fu") and "Piripaque pop" (a Brazilian expression for a nervous breakdown).
Overall, Curumin's "Curukurombo" is a celebration of his identity as a person of mixed heritage and his love for music and culture. He blends different influences and styles to create something unique and joyful.
Line by Line Meaning
Curumin paraguaio
I am Curumin, a Brazilian musician, but often compared to Paraguayans due to my unique style and sound.
Mandarim do mato
I am a master of my craft, just like the Mandarin ducks in the wild. I am a natural, born to do what I do.
Mameluco caduco
I may be getting older, but my spirit and passion for music remain as strong as ever. I am experienced and wise in my art.
Chega chegando e afim
When I arrive, I come with a purpose and a desire to make music that moves people. I am focused and motivated.
Pode ver que é no trato
My talent and skill are evident in everything I create. I am a professional who takes my craft seriously and always strives for excellence.
No toque e no style
My unique style and rhythm are evident in every note I play. I am a master of my craft and create music that is uniquely my own.
No truque do Mandrake
Like the famous magician, I have a few tricks up my sleeve when it comes to creating music. I am inventive and creative in my approach.
Da Penha à Pequim
My music is appreciated around the world, from Brazil to China. I am proud to share my culture and sound with a global audience.
Batuqueiro de panela
I can make music with anything, even a pot or a pan. My creativity and resourcefulness know no bounds.
Bate-bola de pelada
I am playful and fun-loving, like a game of street soccer. I enjoy creating music that is both entertaining and engaging.
Curupira de pé torto
I am unique and unconventional, like the legendary forest creature with twisted feet. I create music that is unconventional and always surprising.
Endiabrado querubim
I am both mischievous and innocent, like a cherub with a devilish streak. My music often contains unexpected twists and turns that keep listeners on their toes.
Didi Mocó enmocozado
I am funny and irreverent, like the iconic Brazilian movie character. I enjoy making people laugh and creating music that doesn't take itself too seriously.
De dentro do seu rádio
My music is played on the radio, reaching audiences near and far. I am proud to share my sound with as many people as possible.
Cantando engraçado
My humor and wit are evident in the lyrics and tone of my songs. I enjoy making people laugh and creating music that is light-hearted and fun.
Sinistro e chinfrim
My music is both eerie and chaotic, a strange combination that somehow works. I am unafraid to experiment and push boundaries, creating music that is both dark and playful.
Pode pagar pra ver
If you doubt my talent, I am willing to put it to the test. I am confident in my abilities and always eager to prove myself.
Chama quem quiser
I am always ready to collaborate and work with other artists. I enjoy the creative energy that comes from working with others and am always open to new ideas.
Um som sushi na chapa
My music is a fusion of different styles and influences, like sushi cooked on a hot plate. I am unafraid to experiment and create something new and unexpected.
Com DJ e tamborim
I enjoy blending electronic and traditional instruments in my music, creating a unique sound that is both modern and timeless.
Usando uma rima
I am a wordsmith, skilled at crafting lyrics that are both clever and insightful. I use my words to create a world of my own and invite listeners to join me there.
Quântica, Tântrica, Atômica e canhota
My music is complex and multi-layered, influenced by different philosophies and theories. I am unafraid to tackle big ideas and explore the depths of human experience.
Sensato como um macaco
I am both intelligent and playful, like a monkey swinging through the trees. My music reflects both my intelligence and my love of fun and games.
(Nem Freud explica o meu papo)
My music is so unique and unusual that even a famous psychoanalyst like Freud would have trouble explaining it. I am one of a kind, and my music reflects that.
Kung Fu furado
I am not afraid to tackle big challenges and take on difficult opponents, even if my approach may seem unconventional or unorthodox.
Comendo frango assado
I enjoy the simple pleasures in life, like eating roasted chicken. My music reflects a love of life and a refusal to take myself too seriously.
Tocando cavaquinho
I am a skilled instrumentalist, capable of playing a wide range of instruments. The cavaquinho, a small Portuguese guitar, is one of my favorites.
Pra ver se ganha o faz me rir
I enjoy entertaining people and making them laugh. My music is often playful and silly, designed to lift people's spirits and bring a smile to their faces.
Macunaíma animado
My music is full of life and energy, just like the iconic character from Brazilian folklore. I am unafraid to take risks and create music that is unexpected and surprising.
Mandinga de macaco
I am inventive and resourceful, like a monkey using magical powers to overcome obstacles. I create music that is uniquely my own, infused with my personality and creativity.
Sem mancada e no trato
I am professional and reliable, always delivering quality music with a respectful and courteous demeanor. I take my craft seriously and strive for excellence in everything I create.
Diz aí tupiniquim
My music is deeply rooted in Brazilian culture and heritage. I am proud to be a part of this tradition and to share my sound with a global audience.
Telecoteco hip hop
I am unafraid to blend different genres and styles in my music, creating a sound that is uniquely my own. The Telecoteco, a dance craze popular in Brazil, is just one of the many influences in my music.
Piripaque pop
My music is designed to be fun and enjoyable, like a sudden burst of excitement or energy. It is playful and full of life, always keeping listeners engaged.
Kurombo groove
My music is rooted in the groove, a rhythm that runs through the heart of Brazilian music. The Kurombo, or jaguar, is just one of the many influences that shapes my sound.
Índio faz assim
My music is deeply influenced by indigenous Brazilian culture, specifically the music and rhythms of the native tribes. I am proud to pay tribute to this rich and vibrant cultural heritage in my music.
Writer(s): Luciano Nakata Albuquerque
Contributed by Skyler T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
PEDRIQUES
NEM FREUD EXPLICA ESSE PAPO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!