Enrique was born in Conceição do Mato Dentro in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Forró became a part of his life very early after he heard the rhythm - which was to become his profession one day - on the radio. When he grew up his interest for the origins, history and instruments of Forró and the influence and power, this rhythm had on his country, increased. He began to play the Zabumba - an instrument he still plays today - at first only amongst his friends and later for smaller shows. In 2008, he pursued his dream of introducing Forró to the rest of the world and brought his extensive experience to Portugal.

Step-by-step he helped Forró to become a success on the Continent where it was widely unknown before. He formed trios, organised dance events and eventually, in 2001, his very first Forró festival. Today, with more than 16 years experience, Enrique is one of the most known pioneers of Forró in Europe and has opened a cultural centre entirely dedicated to the Brazilian culture: the “Espaço Baião” in Lisbon, a place which has Forró as its biggest attraction. The “Baião in Lisboa” festival which he invented and which started as an event with just 30 participants on its first edition meanwhile attracts more than 400 people from all over the world dancing three days and three nights long to all the rhythms Forró has to offer.

Apart from working as a musician, DJ and producer, dance lessons are his most important activities. He is one of the most booked teachers for Forró in Europe, for both beginners’ and intermediate levels. His cultural centre “Espaço Baião” is one of the most popular schools in Lisbon for people wanting to know more about Forró, Samba de Gafieira, Capoeira, Yoga and many other things associated with it.

With other musicians such as Cícero Mateus, Enrique also founded the Forró band Luso Baião who, due to the fact that it also consists of Portuguese musicians and their music being a playful mix of various rhythms sounding like - as it is claimed – “Luiz Gonzaga having put Africa, Portugal and Brazil, Fado and Maracatu, cloves and cinnamon together”,  do also make a difference within the Forró scene. And since live music is another great passion of Enrique, he started two of the most important dance events, namely the “Forró de Quarta” taking place in the theatre “Cinearte A Barraca” as well as the “Forró da Liberdade” on the Avenida da Liberdade in Lisbon, where - as many people say - the best street Forró in the world can be experienced.

At our festival, he is assisted by Rike who gives Forró classes in Hamburg on a regular basis. She is also co-founder of "Forró Projeto de Hamburgo".