Marco Antonio de Carvalho is a Brazilian performing musician, guitarist, singer, and composer. Born in the São Cristóvão neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, he started out playing percussion with friends on the streets of his hometown. The guitar was ever-present in those days, so Marco developed his musical ability by “street learning” - playing by ear on the street, listening to friends and others with more experience. A favorite way to play was using the guitar as a percussion instrument and playing samba by tapping on tables and doors with his brother and friends. Marco fondly remembers warm days playing with friends under a tree on a sidewalk or at the beach where food and music merged.

Music was all around when Marco was a teenager on his family's home stereo and in the homes of relatives and friends, as well as live music at numerous street parties in Brazil throughout the year. At those parties, many people play instruments, sing, and dance. His experiences at Carnaval parades, matinee clubs, samba events, Tambores, and ritual rooms of Candomblé - the musical culture of his country - greatly influenced his musical development and style.