- Orange County, CA
- Steel Drum Band
- $225.00-$1800.00
Scarlett R. said
“Exactly what we were looking for! ”
Rafa Pondé and the Brazilian Reggae Experience
Overview
We provide the best Brazillian music in San Diego Area. We are well know for our mix between Bossa Nova, Reggae and Brazilian music!!
Reviews
4 reviews
Diego S.
June 5, 2023Talented performer, frustrating execution
Rafael performed for our wedding. The music was excellent and was exactly what I was looking for, relaxed but fun and lively. Rafael said he would send a set list before the wedding but never did, making music planning difficult. Rafael himself also went missing during our ceremony, so they weren't able to play recessional music at the end of the ceremony. This was an embarrassing mishap and he didn't seem to care or take accountability for it afterward.
Hired as: Bossa Nova Band
Rafa Pondé and the Brazilian Reggae Experience
Diego you had a month in advance to call me to discuss the music but you only called me the day before the event. Also I did exactly what we agreed( three 40min sets) , with 15 min intervals and I have proof of what we agreed. Also I just followed the instructions of your event organizer while I was there, she called all the shoots . So how can you say that I went missing during your event? You didn’t even greet us while we were in your party. You should be more kind and grateful for the people that do good work for you.
Diana S.
October 1, 2021Beautiful Evening
Rafael did an amazing job setting the vibe for our intimate anniversary get together. He was punctual, very pleasant and easy to communicate with.
I definitely recommend him for a beautiful laid back evening.
His voice is amazing!
Hired as: Bossa Nova Band
Rafa Pondé and the Brazilian Reggae Experience
Thanks Diana ! We really enjoyed been there!!
Richard S.
July 13, 2021Reggae
The two guys were very good! But never heard of a band that plays for 40min then takes a 40min break. We had people leaving who thought they were done playing
Hired as: Reggae Band
Rafa Pondé and the Brazilian Reggae Experience
Hi Richard you knew about the breaks since the beginning nobody plays 3 hours and a half straight without breaks. And you forgot to mention in the review that after you asked me in the first break The next 2 sets were ( 2h sets) instead of 40min sets and the breaks after you asked was just 15min. The next time try to be there because you left the party while we were playing the second set. Also there was a very rude and unkind drunk gentleman there who treat us very bad, after the first set. I will never play there again
Tirpak
September 18, 2017Best of Summer Days
On Saturday we celebrated my daughter's marriage and the 30th birthday of her husband. It was a warm, sunny day on the beach. Rafael and his band provided us with beautiful music to fill our hearts and souls with love,peace and unity. I highly recommend this band as they will not disappoint!
Hired as: Latin Band, Reggae Band, World Music
Rafa Pondé and the Brazilian Reggae Experience
Thanks very much Shirley we enjoyed a lot been there with you guys!
Booking information
Price range: $400-$5000
Languages: English, Portuguese, Spanish
Gig length: 60 - 120 minutes
Unions: AFM
What to expect
A powerful and charismatic band, delivering their best energy on stage!
About
Rafael "Rafa" Pondé is a warrior that left Bahia, Brazil to pursue an international career in the USA in 2017. He is passionate about spreading his roots music with the World. Rafa is a Songwriter, Multi instrumentalist, Singer and Record Producer. He has recorded 8 solo albums and collaborated with several artists, among them: 2025 Grammy wining producer Hans Martin Buff (Prince, Joss Stone , Scorpions), Grammy winning musician Bill Anschell, Latin Grammy awarded Brazilian band Natiruts, among others. He is the author of the song "Princesa do cerrado" recorded by Natiruts on their 4th album "Quatro" (EMI records). Along almost 30 years in the music business, Rafa has recorded all over the world and has being touring extensively in Europe, United States and South America.
His musical performances and teaching projects are full of knowledge about Brazilian culture. Songs written by him such as, Revolta dos Malês (Rafael Pondé, ÁTOMOS ,PALAVRAS,CANÇÕES, 2004) and Miscigenação ( NINGUÉM ESTÁ A SALVO, 2000 independent) are used in classrooms at schools throughout Brazil, because of its great content about Brazilian history and culture. Rafa's songs contain lyrics with strong spiritual messages and a highly positive vibration. In 2022, Rafa moved to San Diego California and formed a band called "The Brazilian Reggae Experience" which is a fusion of Roots Reggae and Brazilian music.
Additional booking notes
If needed we have our own sound equipment
Services offered
Past booked events
June 2025
30
Monday
Convention/Trade Show
12:00pm - 2:00pm (Tue)
•
San Diego, CA
June 2023
03
Saturday
Wedding Reception
2:30pm - 6:30pm
•
San Diego, CA
May 2023
17
Wednesday
Corporate Event
8:00pm - 10:30pm
•
Coronado, CA
September 2021
30
Thursday
Surprise
5:30pm - 7:30pm
•
Great Falls, VA
July 2021
10
Saturday
Fundraiser
7:00pm - 10:30pm
•
Wrightsville, PA
September 2017
16
Saturday
Birthday (Adult)
12:00pm - 3:00pm
•
Nesquehoning, PA
Set list
We perform bossa Nova and Samba Songs and also Reggae tunes
Influences and inspiration
João Gilberto, Bob Marley Dorival Caymmi
Setup requirements
PA system , monitors , microphones depending on the type of event
Report Rafa Pondé and the Brazilian Reggae Experience
Reggae Band
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