Adriano Adewale's Echoes of Naná - A Homage to Naná Vasconcelos

‘The first instrument is the voice; the best instrument is the body.’

Adriano Adewale Itaúna is an Afro-Brazilian percussionist and composer who has been deeply inspired by Naná's musical language and his profound relationship with nature. Ten years after Naná Vasconcelos' passing, his artistic vision continues to inspire musicians around the world.

Widely regarded as one of the most influential percussionists of the twentieth century, Naná transformed the role of percussion in contemporary music, bringing voice, body and percussion together. Drawing on Afro-Brazilian traditions, improvisation and contemporary jazz, he collaborated with Pat Metheny, Jan Garbarek and Egberto Gismonti.

Rather than recreating Naná Vasconcelos' music, Adriano explores the artistic philosophy that shaped his work - where voice, body, rhythm and improvisation become one expressive instrument.