Carlão
June 28
One of the most influential figures in Portuguese urban music, Carlão has played a defining role in shaping the country’s hip-hop landscape.
One of the most influential figures in Portuguese urban music, Carlão has played a defining role in shaping the country’s hip-hop landscape. Born in Angola in 1975 to Cape Verdean parents and raised in Portugal, he first rose to prominence as Pacman, co-founding the groundbreaking group Da Weasel, a cornerstone of national hip-hop culture.
Alongside his music career, Carlão established himself as a cultural commentator and writer, contributing to leading publications and developing a strong, socially engaged voice. Following the end of Da Weasel, he explored heavier sounds with Os Dias de Raiva and later embraced a more intimate, spoken-word approach with the project Algodão.
His return to hip-hop with the album 5-30 (2014) marked a reconnection with large stages and audiences. This momentum continued with Quarenta (2015) and Entretenimento? (2018), albums that showcased his versatility and ability to bridge genres, generations and musical worlds. Known for blending social commentary with emotional honesty, Carlão has built a career rooted in authenticity and connection.
Beyond music, he has been involved in television, educational projects promoting intercultural dialogue and high-profile collaborations across the Portuguese music scene. In 2022, he took part in the historic Da Weasel reunion at NOS Alive, awarded Best Live Performance at the Golden Globes. Recent years have seen him continue to release new material and expand his sonic universe, merging hip-hop with African rhythms, Portuguese tradition and electronic textures.
In 2025, Carlão returns to politically and socially engaged songwriting with the release of Onha Néné and Na Loucura, paving the way for a new studio album set for 2026. On stage, he presents a renewed live show that reflects a lifetime of music and writing — from intimate piano-led moments to high-energy, rhythm-driven performances, always delivered with a contagious sense of purpose and warmth.
Alongside his music career, Carlão established himself as a cultural commentator and writer, contributing to leading publications and developing a strong, socially engaged voice. Following the end of Da Weasel, he explored heavier sounds with Os Dias de Raiva and later embraced a more intimate, spoken-word approach with the project Algodão.
His return to hip-hop with the album 5-30 (2014) marked a reconnection with large stages and audiences. This momentum continued with Quarenta (2015) and Entretenimento? (2018), albums that showcased his versatility and ability to bridge genres, generations and musical worlds. Known for blending social commentary with emotional honesty, Carlão has built a career rooted in authenticity and connection.
Beyond music, he has been involved in television, educational projects promoting intercultural dialogue and high-profile collaborations across the Portuguese music scene. In 2022, he took part in the historic Da Weasel reunion at NOS Alive, awarded Best Live Performance at the Golden Globes. Recent years have seen him continue to release new material and expand his sonic universe, merging hip-hop with African rhythms, Portuguese tradition and electronic textures.
In 2025, Carlão returns to politically and socially engaged songwriting with the release of Onha Néné and Na Loucura, paving the way for a new studio album set for 2026. On stage, he presents a renewed live show that reflects a lifetime of music and writing — from intimate piano-led moments to high-energy, rhythm-driven performances, always delivered with a contagious sense of purpose and warmth.
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