Mike Scartezina

I’m a percussionist. Called to the drum 🪘 I was entranced by rhythm at the relatively early age of 19 years old. I went to Brazil in 2001 for the first time. Then, I was heavy into capoeira. Studying with mestre Accordion, I was introduced to Afro Brasílian rhythms, songs, and traditional movements. My time spent there I was able to see some of the great famous Samba Afro bands. Olodum, ILE AYE, Timbalada, Ara Ketu, swinge do Pelo, Afro Muzenza. I immediately fell in love with the sound, the swing, and the generally funky Afro styles.
I’ve also Had a chance to sit with the great Jorge Alabé, another staple in the scene and movement of Brazilian music in the US and in Brazil aswell. My Main teacher, Marcio Peeter, of the prestigeous Afro Bloco, ILE AYE, showed me the Timbal in 2005. I moved to Oakland years later to study directly with Him. I learned Surdo,caixa,ago-go,pandiero,Repenique,and conga.