Kiko Souza
Kiko Souza is a Bahian saxophonist and flutist born in Santo Amaro da Purificação, in the historic Recôncavo region, and based in Salvador. Defined by his vast musical versatility, he has established himself as a prominent figure in Bahia’s instrumental scene, fluidly navigating jazz, blues, reggae, ska, Brazilian popular music, and Afro-Bahian grooves.
His musical foundation is deeply intertwined with the cultural roots of the Recôncavo and the rich creative environment of Salvador. Throughout his career, Kiko has crafted a distinct artistic signature on both saxophone and flute, seamlessly blending Brazilian musical heritage with the raw improvisation and creative freedom characteristic of jazz. His approach places a special emphasis on rich melody, rhythm, and tight ensemble interplay.
Kiko rose to prominence through his contributions to some of the most influential projects in Bahian instrumental music. He was a member of the acclaimed Orkestra Rumpilezz, created by the late maestro and composer Letieres Leite—an invaluable experience that brought him closer to the orchestra’s sophisticated intersection of jazz arrangements and African-rooted rhythms. In 2012, for instance, he backed vocalist Soraia Drummond in a dynamic performance that merged reggae, jazz, soul, MPB, and electronic music elements.
Another major milestone in his career is his work with Skanibais, widely regarded as Salvador’s pioneering ska band. Performing on both saxophone and flute, Kiko contributes to a concept that fuses traditional Jamaican ska with reggae, MPB, samba, and other vibrant Brazilian grooves. The band has taken the stage at premier venues and major festivals across Bahia, including the prestigious Bahia Instrumental Music Festival at the iconic Castro Alves Theater.
Within the jazz and blues circuits, Kiko also fronted his own ensembles, such as the Quarteto Zona Azul. The quartet’s extensive repertoire covers masterworks by legendary Brazilian and international composers, including John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Caetano Veloso, Tom Jobim, and Dorival Caymmi, reflecting the sheer breadth of his musical influences.
His extensive professional catalog also features collaborations alongside some of the most celebrated icons of Brazilian music. Kiko has contributed to studio recordings and live concert projects for national legends such as Caetano Veloso, Carlinhos Brown, and Alcione, alongside his ongoing work with the vanguard of the contemporary Bahian scene and diverse instrumental ensembles.
Within Banda Terráquea, Kiko joins the horn section, contributing directly to the group’s distinct sonic identity. His saxophone establishes a bridge between the blues, soul, jazz, and R&B roots of Lon Bové’s work and the rich rhythmic and melodic tapestry of Bahia. In 2026, he features in Terráquea’s official lineup alongside Lon Bové, Gabriel Bové, Victor Brasil, Marcelo Rocha, Isaías Rabelo, Luiz Rocha, Ivanzinho Pacapuco, and Janis Dominique.
Kiko Souza is a saxophonist and flutist who embodies the depth and diversity of Bahian instrumental music. From the Recôncavo region to Salvador, and from intimate jazz stages to big band horn sections, his music translates the convergence of tradition, improvisation, and contemporary sounds—an artistic voice that finds within Banda Terráquea yet another space to bridge the blues with the musical roots of Bahia.