Rafael Pereira, better known as Rafa, grew up in São Paulo, Brazil.  He began studying drums and percussion at the age of 12, after being inspired by the contagious sounds of Brazil’s street rhythms, parades and outdoor concerts.  Growing up he had many opportunities to study and share the stage with a host of master percussionists and drummers such as Airto Moreira, Naná Vasconcelos, Guello, Marcos Suzano, Alex Acuña, Luis Conte, Little John, Sonny Emory and many others.    

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Rafa has been an endorser of Pearl Percussion, Cooperman Frame Drums & Sticks, and Sabian Cymbals since 2005, which helped him become a percussion clinician to events such as PASIC ( 2005/2007) and many other percussion festivals around the world.  Rafael’s performing resume includes the Grammys, SNL, David Letterman and Arsenio Hall with artists such as Janelle Monae, Prince, India Arie, Bruno Mars, B.O.B, Incognito, Donnie, Julie Dexter, Zee Avi, Russel Gunn and many more. He is currently touring with Janelle Monae. Rafa is also busy recording and producing new and upcoming artists, as well as working on his own debut record to be released in 2014.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​