The World Music Series at Fulham Pier opens on 16 May with an unforgettable evening of Bossa Nova, as Mario Bakuna pays tribute to the legendary João Gilberto. With voice and acoustic guitar, Bakuna captures the delicate rhythms, subtle swing and timeless elegance of Brazil’s most iconic sound, blending classic reinterpretations with original compositions.
Set against the backdrop of the Thames at golden hour, this immersive performance marks the beginning of a new global music journey at Fulham Pier, in collaboration with Telecoteco Productions, bringing world-class artists and rich musical traditions from across continents to London.
About the artist:
João Gilberto, the great pioneer and father of Bossa Nova in Brazil in the late fifties, is the focus of this special concert performed by Mario Bakuna on guitar and vocals. Featuring reinterpretations alongside Bakuna’s own compositions, the performance invites the audience into the traditional world of samba, the subtle syncopation of João’s plucked-chord style, and the colours of contemporary jazz. With expressive vocals and his signature acoustic guitar, Bakuna brings these timeless pieces to life with warmth, swing, and a modern sensibility. It’s a heartfelt celebration of one of the greatest Brazilian musicians of all time!
Mario Bakuna is a Brazilian composer, arranger, vocalist, and guitarist, bringing over 25 years of musical artistry to audiences worldwide, currently based in London, UK. Well known for his deep exploration of traditional Brazilian rhythms, samba, jazz, and bossa nova, Mario captures the spirit of Brazilian swing, blending it with refined jazz colours in both his original compositions and fresh arrangements of works by iconic artists such as Tom Jobim, Dorival Caymmi, Paulo Moura, and João Donato.