60 years of Chico Science: the scientist of rhythms who took the mangue from Recife to the world
Chico Science, a pivotal figure in the Manguebeat movement, is celebrated on the 60th anniversary of his birth for his significant impact on Brazilian music and culture.
Chico Science, born Francisco de Assis França Caldas Brandão, would have turned 60 on March 13, 2026. He is renowned for his role as the lead singer of the band Chico Science & Nação Zumbi, which played a crucial role in the popularization of the Manguebeat movement in the 1990s. This musical style blended traditional rhythms from Recife with elements of rock and hip-hop, helping to define a new wave of Brazilian music that emphasized local culture while appealing to global audiences. His debut album 'Da Lama ao Caos' is considered a manifesto for this movement, manifesting a rich tapestry of sounds and cultural references.