Tuca Alves

Biography

Tuca Alves is an accomplished guitarist, multi-instrumentalist, arranger, and producer whose career spans over three decades of performance, recording, and musical direction. Beginning his journey on cavaquinho at age eight before falling in love with the guitar, he studied with renowned teachers and honed his craft across classical, popular, and contemporary styles. His versatility — moving seamlessly between nylon and steel-string guitars, electric guitar, cavaquinho, and vocals — has become a hallmark of his artistry. Since the 1990s, Alves has built a prolific career both on stage and in the studio. He has performed and recorded with some of Brazil's most celebrated artists, including Maria Rita, Alcione, Mart'nália, Joanna, Sandra de Sá, Beth Carvalho, Luiz Melodia, Rita Ribeiro, and Ferrugem, among many others. He was also a founding member of the black music band Funk U, sharing stages with legends like Cassiano and Gerson King Combo, and opening for the Cuban group Orishas. In addition to live performance, Alves has recorded jingles for major brands such as Coca-Cola, Shell, and Garnier, and contributed to film and TV soundtracks, including Globo programs like Esquenta and The Voice Brasil. His television work also includes the celebrated Música Boa Ao Vivo and Estrela da Casa. As a musical director, he has led projects for artists such as Leandro Sapucahy, Manu Santos, and Flávio Rocca, as well as large-scale productions like Sapuca 10 Anos. His discography and DVD credits include collaborations with Joanna, Maria Rita (Samba Meu), Leandro Sapucahy, Ferrugem (Chão de Estrelas), Alcione (50 Anos), and many others. Most recently, he participated in the Rock in Rio 40th anniversary musical Sonhos, Lama e Rock and Roll and continues to perform, produce, and arrange across diverse projects. Today, Tuca Alves is recognized for his artistry, versatility, and professionalism, bringing authenticity and depth to every musical setting — from intimate duos to large-scale productions.