Originally from Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil, Rafa Souza was born into a musical family including his many uncles, some of whom have gone pro. He grew up in the midst of rehearsals and during his childhood, he was constantly breathing music.

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At age 12, he began studying classical guitar. 2 years later, he watched Slash of Guns 'N Roses playing electric guitar, and Rafa’s passion for rock music and especially the electric guitar was changed forever.

 

He began to study electric guitar at the infamous CROMAT school in his hometown and gained experience playing classes with different local musicians. At 16, he started to play in a

professional party band and this was when his career began to take off.

 

He then connected with many rock musicians from his city, who played in several different cover bands, and he started to perform too. Rafa is influenced by music icons: Jeff Beck, Vivian Campbell, Eduardo Ardanuy, Al Pitrelli, Andy Timmons, Greg Howe, Guthrie Govan, Allan Holdsworth, Al Di Meola, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Slash and others.

 

His passion for music was so great, that in 2011 he decided to open his own music studio, exclusively for practicing bands and sessions. He started studying sound-engineering with established local sound-engineers in Brazil. Rafa has mastered both sides of his musical life; one as freelancer musician and the other as a producer.

 

In 2018, Rafa achieved second place at The Campinas Guitar Festival, a guitar contest in his hometown sponsored by Tagima Guitars, with top musicians from Brazil.

 

Rafa has played with many different artists in Brazil, and in 2019, he was invited to play with Tim Ripper Owens (ex-Judas Priest/ Iced Earth) on his tour of South America. After this tour, Rafa moved to Southern California to expand his career. He is currently lead guitarist for the Wikkid Starr band based in Los Angeles and has opened for many famous rock bands worldwide including: Steelheart, Dokken, Kingdom Come, XYZ, Asia, Lou Gramm, Shark Island, Sweet, and in 2022, Quiet Riot. He continues to freelance for local artists and enjoys working on sessions and productions for the industry at RS STUDIOS in West Hollywood.

 

Rafa is sponsored by “Anatomy Of Sound” 3D Guitar Picks, an established, innovative company based in Southern California.