Founded in 2007 in Itaim Paulista, in the East Zone of São Paulo, Pegada de Gorila is a samba and choro group whose trajectory is built on collective practice, rhythmic strength, and a deep connection to its territory. Born out of community rodas, the group has developed a continuous body of work that brings together live performance, touring, and original projects, keeping samba as a living language, memory in motion, and a collective form of expression.
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Pegada de Gorila
Anderson Borba
Voz e direção artística
Anderson Borba is a musician with over 15 years of experience in the São Paulo samba circuit. A founding member of Pegada de Gorila, he serves as the group’s Artistic Director. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with artists such as Royce do Cavaco, Reinaldo Príncipe do Pagode, Almirzinho, Marquinhos Sensação, and Carica. He also works in the field of recorded audio and runs his own recording studio.
Emerson Bernardes
Cavaquinho
Emerson Bernardes is a founding member of Pegada de Gorila. He began his musical studies in 2003 under the guidance of Luizinho 7 Cordas and continued his training at the Universidade Livre de Música (Tom Jobim). He has worked as a music educator at Escola Sanuza and SESC Guarulhos, combining performance and education. His career includes appearances on the TV program Ensaio (TV Cultura) and international tours in Spain, Russia, and Argentina. Ensaio (TV Cultura) acompanhando nomes como Velha Guarda do Império Serrano, Roberto Silva e Mário Sérgio. Realizou turnês internacionais pela Espanha e Rússia, além de apresentações na Argentina.
Koka Pereira
General Percussion
Koka Pereira is a musician active since 1987, with a career rooted in carnival groups and samba school drum sections. He has served as drum director for the samba schools Vamo Que Vamo and Unidos de Santa Bárbara and has worked as a music educator in projects such as CEDECA, CEU Curuçá, and Projeto Barracão. Throughout his artistic trajectory, he has collaborated with masters including Wilson Moreira, Ney Lopes, Moacyr Luz, Monarco, and Dudu Nobre. He has also been a member of groups such as Regional Sarravulho and Inimigos do Batente.
Marcelo Ramos
Percussion
Marcelo Ramos began his musical journey in family samba circles during his childhood. At the age of 14, he joined the group Zimbas and, in 2004, became a member of the band Clínica Geral, led by Almir Guineto. He worked for 12 years as a supporting musician with Grupo Redenção at Bar Mangueira (Pinheiros). Throughout his career, he has accompanied artists such as Royce do Cavaco, Monarco, Mauro Diniz, Dudu Nobre, Mário Sérgio, and Xande de Pilares.
Marcelinho Monserrat
7-String Acoustic Guitar
Marcelinho Monserrat is a founding member of Pegada de Gorila and holds a degree in Music from Faculdade Carlos Gomes. He studied under Dino 7 Cordas and worked as producer and arranger of the instrumental album O Relógio, by Conjunto Regional Lua de Prata. His career includes extensive international touring throughout Europe alongside artists such as Altamiro Carrilho, Clementina de Jesus, Almir Guineto, and Nelson Sargento. He has also collaborated with Bezerra da Silva and Zeca Pagodinho, among others. O Relógio, do Conjunto Regional Lua de Prata. Realizou turnês pela Europa acompanhando nomes como Altamiro Carrilho, Clementina de Jesus, Almir Guineto, Nelson Sargento, Bezerra da Silva e Zeca Pagodinho, entre outros.
Porkinho Trindade
Percussion
Porkinho Trindade began his musical career at the age of 12 with the percussion group Toque do Gueto. He worked with the CEDECA Percussion Group and participated in the Afro Brasil Festival at Parque Ibirapuera. Throughout his trajectory, he has accompanied artists such as Biro do Cavaco, Mário Sérgio, Cléber Augusto, and Royce do Cavaco. He is a founding member of Pegada de Gorila and was also part of the group RG Samba.
Samuel Marques
Trombone
Samuel Marques studied trombone at the Universidade Livre de Música (Tom Jobim) under the guidance of Raul de Souza. He has performed with the Big Band of the Escola Municipal de Música and the Orquestra Jovem Tom Jobim, conducted by Roberto Sion. His professional experience includes work with the Orquestra de Samba e Choro de São Mateus and the Orquestra Jazz Sinfônica de Diadema. He also performed at the Montreux Festival (Switzerland, 2011) and has worked as a freelance musician on recordings, including the DVD by Banda Black Rio.
Monthly Events
Papá do Pegada
O Papá do Pegada Held monthly, the project brings together invited artists from the samba and choro scenes in an open roda format, where repertoire, improvisation, and exchange between musicians and audience shape a shared live experience.
More than an event, it affirms samba as a cultural practice in motion, strengthening community ties and fostering intergenerational dialogue.
O Papá do Pegada . ..
Gallery
Pegada in Action
Photographic records of performances, samba circles, backstage moments, and gatherings, highlighting the stage presence, the relationship with the audience, and the circulation of Pegada de Gorila across different cultural contexts.
DISCOGRAPHY
DISCOGRAPHY
Divina Canção (2019) Debut album, launched at Beco do Rato (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil).
Consta no DNA (2025) Most recent work, currently touring.
Vídeos
Audiovisual records of Pegada de Gorila
Watch videos of live shows, original projects, and special appearances by the group, highlighting musical performance, collective dynamics, and the direct relationship with the audience.
Clipping
Pegada in the Press
Articles, appearances at leading cultural institutions, festivals, and institutional initiatives, as well as records of national circulation that recognize the trajectory and cultural relevance of Pegada de Gorila.
November 2019
CartaCapital – Cultura “Group born in São Paulo’s East Side leaves its first footprints on the city’s samba scene.”
September 2022
Folha de S.Paulo – Coluna Mônica Bergamo “Pegada de Gorila pays tribute to Jackson do Pandeiro at the São Paulo Cultural Center.”
December 2022
G1 - Traditional Events in Macapá, Amapá, Brazil Participation in the 70th anniversary of Maracatu da Favela
February 2023
Barra Funda, São Paulo, is home to one of the city’s traditional samba venues, hosting performances by samba groups and renowned samba artists.
November 2023
Bosque Maia – Black Awareness Day Participation in a commemorative festival
October 2024
SESC Jundiaí, São Paulo, Brazil “The social area of SESC Jundiaí will be transformed into a samba circle, featuring the group Pegada de Gorila.” Pegada de Gorila“
December 2024
Samba at the Central Market – Macapá, Amapá, Brazil Participation in the National Samba Day commemorative event
“Pegada de Gorila invites Raquel Tobias to Vila do Samba.” Vila do Samba”
December 2025
SESC Pompeia, São Paulo, Brazil “Launch of the second album at the SESC Pompeia Cafeteria, featuring Maestro Rildo Hora.”
December 2025
“Samba in Libraries” Program – São Paulo City Hall Touring of the samba circle “Samba e Mania da Gente” through public libraries, parks, and reading groves.