Larissa Umaytá, a distinguished percussionist from Sobradinho in Brazil’s Federal District, is a dynamic presence in the world of Brazilian music. With a musical identity that is deeply rooted in her Afro-Indigenous heritage, Larissa’s family played a significant role in pioneering the Bumba Meu Boi tradition from Maranhão in Brasília, marking a cultural integration soon after the capital’s establishment in the 1960s. Raised in an environment rich with rhythmic tradition, Larissa’s exposure to Bumba Meu Boi by her grandfather, Seu Teodoro, and participation in her family’s samba circles, laid the foundation for her musical path. This upbringing was pivotal in shaping her extensive experience as a music teacher, where she remains active in both in-person and online settings.
A graduate of Raphael Rabello’s Choro School, Larissa’s expertise spans several areas of Brazilian popular music. Her collaborative endeavors are notable, having recently worked with acclaimed singer-songwriter Chico César and the popular pagode group Menos É Mais.
In addition to her performance career, Larissa is an inspiring figure for female and Black musicians. She is the co-creator and music producer of the Se Lança, Mana project, an innovative initiative designed to support young female musicians in Brasília. Through this project, Larissa plays a crucial role in nurturing emerging talent, providing comprehensive resources for the production and release of their original work.