Born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, PAULINHO DA COSTA discovered his love for percussion at the tender age of five by exploring the different sounds of everything he could get his hands on. While still in his early teens, he joined several musical groups, traveling extensively throughout the world. Upon arriving in the United States, the multi-versed percussionist carved a sizable niche in the music community.

Contributing his professional outlook and friendly appeal to 800 fellow artists, his name has appeared on over 2000 albums and numerous top-selling records, including works by Quincy Jones, jazz legends such as Dizzy Gillespie and Miles Davis, plus pop superstars such as Madonna, Sting, and Michael Jackson. Perhaps even more outstanding than the multitude and caliber of artists he plays with, is the variety of musical styles he has mastered.

A dynamic percussionist, an innovative composer, and a qualified producer, Paulinho’s musical versatility is also demonstrated on his four solo albums – Agora, Happy People, Sunrise, and Breakdown.

Throughout his prolific career, Paulinho has been involved with some of the decade’s best-selling projects, including the record-breaking Thriller, the landmark recording “We Are The World,” and the percussion-dominated successes “All Night Long” and “La Isla Bonita.”

Not only has Da Costa made a profound impact within the record industry, his talents are proudly recognized in both film and television. His movie credits range from the Oscar-nominated The Color Purple to thrilling action hits like Transformers and Mission Impossible. Plus, Paulinho has contributed to a countless number of films that have connected with people worldwide, such as the Academy Award-winning Dirty Dancing and Purple Rain, Saturday Night Fever, Footloose, Jurassic Park, Hairspray, and Indiana Jones.

Through radio and television, the sounds of Paulinho Da Costa come into your home on a daily basis. Whether it is for hit TV shows like Will & Grace, Cold Case, or ER, national car and food commercials, or television movies, his music is heard around the world.

Throughout his career, Paulinho has performed live with world-renowned artists as well as for the most important causes of our time. His participation at prestigious events and venues has included performances at Wembley Stadium, Kennedy and Lincoln Centers, the Playboy Jazz Festival, and the Montreux Jazz Festival. He has played at key events in support of worldwide causes, such as the International Tribute for Nelson Mandela & South Africa and the Rainforest Foundation Benefit with Sting, Bruce Springsteen, and Paul Simon. Paulinho has also had the opportunity to play in concert with artists such as Eric Clapton, Quincy Jones, Herbie Hancock, Rod Stewart, Mary J. Blige, Al Jarreau, Diana Krall, Seal, Jon Bon Jovi, Chaka Khan, John Legend, George Duke, Lalo Schifrin, and David Foster, to name a few.

In recognition of his incredible talent, the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences presented Paulinho with its Most Valuable Player Award for three consecutive years and the honorary Emeritus Award.