The white Giannini bass guitar Paulo Jr. received at age 15 became the primary tool for a career spanning four decades. As the longest-serving member of the Brazilian heavy metal band Sepultura, he transitioned from a local enthusiast in Belo Horizonte to a central figure in the international metal scene, contributing to the band's evolution since 1984.
Early Involvement and Sepultura
Born in 1969, Paulo Jr. grew up in Belo Horizonte, where his family provided crucial support for his early musical pursuits by offering space for rehearsals and transportation for equipment. He joined Sepultura in 1984 following the exit of Roberto Raffan, performing his first live set at the Ideal Club in Santa Teresa. Although he became an essential live presence, he did not record bass parts for the band until 1993 on the album Chaos A.D., as other members previously handled both guitar and bass instrumentation on earlier studio releases.
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Beyond his work with Sepultura, Paulo Jr. expanded his portfolio through several collaborative ventures. In 2009, he partnered with musicians from Eminence and Chakal to form The Unabomber Files, releasing an EP in 2013. He later joined the sludge and thrash metal band Cultura Tres in 2019 alongside Alejandro Londoño Montoya and Juan M De Ferrari Montoya. This project resulted in the 2023 full-length album Camino de Brujos, which was promoted through music videos for tracks such as The World And Its Lies and Proxy War. He continues to support these releases through international touring.
Philanthropy and Recognition
Since 1999, Paulo Jr. has organized annual soccer matches at the Estádio Municipal Castor Cifuentes in Nova Lima to facilitate food donations for local charities. These events feature former Brazilian athletes alongside musicians and television personalities. In recognition of his contributions to the development of the state of Minas Gerais, he received the Medalha da Inconfidência in 2008. The award ceremony was held in Ouro Preto and presided over by then-Governor Aécio Neves.
Fast facts
- Born: 1969, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Primary Instrument: Bass guitar
- Sepultura tenure: 1984–present
- Performance style: Uses a guitar pick
- Notable honor: Medalha da Inconfidência (2008)
- Hobbies: Jiu jitsu, soccer
- Favorite soccer club: Clube Atlético Mineiro
Questions readers ask
Did Paulo Jr. play on every Sepultura album?
No. While he was a member of the band, he did not record bass on studio albums until the 1993 release Chaos A.D.
What is his connection to the charity work in Nova Lima?
He has organized annual soccer charity games since 1999, where spectators donate food for local distribution.
Achievements
- Instruments: bass guitar
- Genres: groove metal, death metal and alternative metal
