Dominó

Dominó

Company type	Boy band
Industry	Music
Founded	1984
Founder	Gugu Liberato
Area served	Brazil
Products	Music albums and singles

Dominó was a Brazilian boy band established by television presenter Gugu Liberato, reaching its highest acclaim during the 1980s and again in the late 1990s. Throughout the 1980s, the group sold close to six million records within Brazil. The initial members were Afonso Nigro, Nill, Marcos Quintela, and Marcelo Rodrigues. Their prominent tracks included "Ela Não Gosta de Mim," "Companheiro," "'P. da Vida," "Manequim," and "Com Todos Menos Comigo."

From 1992 to 1995, actor and television presenter Rodrigo Faro joined the ensemble. The lineup featuring Rodrigo Phavanello, Rodriguinho, Cristiano Garcia, and Eber Albêncio gained nationwide recognition in 1997 with the hit "Baila, Baila Comigo," which sold over three million units across Brazil.

Origins (1984)

Inspired by the Puerto Rican group Menudo (band), Dominó debuted in 1984 with the track "Companheiro." Following Menudo's breakthrough in Brazil, Gugu Liberato's Promoart agency created a local equivalent. Auditions were held to select boys aged between 14 and 15 who possessed both singing and dancing abilities: Affonso Celso Lucatelli Nigro (Afonso Nigro), Lenilson dos Santos (Nill), Marcos Roberto Quintela (Marcos), and Marcelo Henrique Rodrigues (Marcelo). Their first release under CBS in 1984 featured adaptations of songs by Mexican group Timbiriche, including "Ela Não Gosta de Mim" and "Companheiro," the latter gaining traction on radio supported by a music video broadcast on Globo's Fantástico.

Global recognition and the peak of "dominómania" (1985–1988)

By 1985, Dominó had launched their debut LP with CBS, containing popular tracks such as "Companheiro," "Ela Não Gosta de Mim," and the single "Ainda Sou Você." The album also included collaborations with Turma do Balão Mágico on songs like "Chega Mais Um Pouco" and "Fim de Semana." In 1986, Dominó broadened their brand presence through a dedicated resort radio station and entered the Latin market with a Spanish-language album that featured a cover of Guilherme Arantes' "Lindo Balão Azul." Subsequent singles like "Guerreiros," "Mariá," "Amor e Música," and "Jura de Amor" followed.

After three years of touring, Dominó reached the height of their fame in Brazil by 1987 during what was dubbed "dominómania." Their third LP included successful releases such as "'P. da Vida," which achieved strong sales upon launch, along with tracks like "Manequim" and "Medusa." That same year, they appeared in the film Os Fantasmas Trapalhões, alongside entrepreneur Gugu Liberato. The 1988 release known as the "Black Album" demonstrated artistic growth with more introspective songs including "Com Todos Menos Comigo," "Bruta Ansiedade," and "As Palavras," featuring guest artist Angélica. They also starred in two films: Os Heróis Trapalhões - Uma Aventura na Selva and Os Trapalhões na Terra dos Monstros, performing the track "Paradise." During this era, Dominó sold an estimated six million copies throughout Brazil.

Departure of Nill, emergence of new members, and evolving lineups (1989–1995)

In 1989, Nill left to embark on a solo career, making his final appearance on Viva a Noite on October 19. Promoart continued operating with three members, releasing their fifth LP in 1990 which featured songs like "Maria," "Felicidade Já," and "Leilão." Following Nill’s exit, both the band’s popularity and media visibility diminished.

This downturn coincided with the rise of another youth group managed by Promoart Shows named Polegar. Unlike Dominó, Polegar played instruments rather than focusing solely on choreographed dance routines. The band achieved national attention with members Alan Frank, Alex Gill, Rafael Ilha, and Ricardo Costa.

In 1992, Dominó issued a self-titled album without main vocalist Afonso Nigro, who departed prior to recording. Promoart and Sony Music (which had acquired CBS Records) revitalized the group by adding Italo Coutinho alongside children’s television host Rodrigo Faro. The single “Sem Compromisso,” featuring Marcelo Rodrigues with guest Mara Maravilha, became the album’s only hit. Their subsequent single “Ó Que Eu Te Ponho” also received television exposure.

By 1993, Marcos Quintela exited and was replaced by Fabio. Marcelo Rodrigues announced his departure during Sabadão while reminiscing about their hit “Manequim.” Valmir joined the formation consisting of Rodrigo Faro, Italo Coutinho, Fabio, and Valmir.

In 1995, the band released a more daring album highlighted by the single “Oh Carol,” a rendition of Neil Sedaka’s classic song.

Period of Decline and Attempts without Promoart (1997–2006)

Following a decline after 1992, Dominó reemerged in 1997 with the release of "Baila, Baila Comigo," showcasing members Rodrigo Phavanello, Eber Albêncio, Rodriguinho, and Cristiano Garcia. Their album Comvido! achieved sales of 290,000 units in France, which enabled tours across Turkey, Tunisia, and Lebanon. In 1999, this ensemble produced the track "Give me love" and shot the music video for Diz Que Sim in Jordan.

In 2001, after the departure of Rodrigo Phavanello, Klaus Hee joined the group for the album "La bomba," which was led by its title song performed in Spanish and Portuguese.

By 2003, operating independently from Promoart, Dominó’s roster consisted of Maike Eversong, Ricky Fell, Diego Pompeu, and Leandro Lemos. Following Maike’s exit in 2002, Julio Street—known for his Backstreet Boys tribute performances—and former model and actor Arthur Cezar became members. Arthur later pursued a solo music career and took charge of Boulevard Productions. This lineup made appearances on television shows such as Domingo Legal (SBT), Superpop, and Bom Dia Mulher (RedeTV!). They released singles including "Coração Parou" and "Baby",'’ though commercial success remained limited. Producers recognize this group as the final official incarnation of Dominó.

BMD Era and Member Transitions (2008–2009)

In 2008, former Dominó members Arthur Cezar, Leandro Lemos, Alexandre Albertoni, together with newcomer Isaac formed a new band called DMO; however, it dissolved shortly thereafter. Notably, Alexandre Albertoni had previously modeled for G Magazine in 2007.

In February 2008, auditions held in Rio de Janeiro resulted in Rafael Pires, Vinicius, Thalis, and Jojo joining a fresh lineup. They resided together in an apartment located in Barra da Tijuca and recorded an album featuring four original tracks alongside eight remakes from Dominó’s classic repertoire. Despite this effort being viewed by producers as an experimental phase, the group did not persist long. In March of that year, Rafael Pires experienced a brief kidnapping incident but was quickly freed.

Reports from O Globo indicated plans for this formation to appear on SBT’s Domingo Legal alongside Afonso Nigro and Rodriguinho until April 2008; however, no further developments were reported.

Towards the end of 2008, a new version of Dominó debuted during ExpoBauru-SP’s opening event before an audience exceeding 60,000 people. Supported by SBT TV network, this lineup included João Paulo Damazio, Leandro Naiss, Rachid Camargo, and Thiago Ruffineli but ultimately disbanded in 2009.

Media Appearances

• On August 22, 2009, Rede Globo’s Caldeirão do Huck featured Dominó in its "Lata Velha" segment with appearances by Afonso Nigro and Luciana Vendramini—who had been part of the original 1987 "Manequim" music video.
• On May 22, 2010, Rede Record's O Melhor do Brasil showcased a Rodrigo Faro impersonation of Dominó performing hits such as "Manequim," "Companheiro," and "P.da Vida."
• Former members Nill and Marcelo appeared on Rede Record’s Programa do Gugu on May 31, 2010 alongside ex-members of Polegar and Boomerang.
• Nill—now practicing as a lawyer as well as working as a gospel singer and pastor—was interviewed on TV Fame RedeTV! on June 12, 2010.
• On February 18, 2012, Rodrigo Faro joined Marcos Mion on the program Legendary to perform a Dominó tribute featuring "Manequim."
• The movie Odeio o Dia dos Namorados includes a poster of Dominó’s debut album displayed in the protagonist’s bedroom.
• In 2014, Rede Record launched Domingokê segments within Rodrigo Faro’s programs O Melhor do Brasil and A Hora do Faro, with Afonso Nigro leading the house band.
• In 2015, Record’s Domingo Show honored Rodrigo Faro by presenting four distinct Dominó lineups from various periods alongside host Geraldo Luis.

Initial Formation

• Afonso Nigro (1984–1991)
• Nill (Lenilson dos Santos) (1984–1989)
• Marcos Quintela (1984–1993)
• Marcelo Rodrigues (1984–1993)

Additional Members

• Rodrigo Faro (1992–1995)
• Italian Coutinho (1992–1995)
• Fabio (1993–1995)
• Ricardo (1995)
• Valmir (1995)
• Rodrigo Phavanello (1995–2001)
• Eber Rodrigues Albêncio (1995–2001)
• Cristiano Momense Garcia (1996–2001)
• Rodrigo Lázaro de Paula (Rodriguinho) (1997–2001)
• Klaus Hee (2001–2003)
• Maike Eversong (2001–2003)
• Ricky Fell (2003–2008)
• Pompey Diego (2003–2008)
• Arthur Cezar (2003–2008)
• Julio Street (2003–2008)
• Leandro Lemos (2003–2008)
• Alexandre Albertoni (2008)
• Isaac (2008)
• Rafael Pires (2008)
• Vinicius (2008)
• Thalis (2008)
• Jojo (2008)
• John Paul Damazio (2008–2009)
• Leandro Naiss (2008–2009)
• Rachid Camargo (2008–2009)
• Thiago Ruffineli (2008–2009)

Albums in Studio

• Dominó (1985)
• Dominó (1986)
• Dominó (1987)
• Dominó (1988)
• Dominó (1990)
• Dominó (1992)
• Provocante (1995)
• Ritmos Latinos (1996)
• Comvido! (1997)
• Give Me Love (1999)
• Dominó (2001)
• Vem Ver (2003)

Compilation Albums

• Hits (1988)
• 20 SuperSucessos (1997)
• Brilhantes (1999)

Notable Singles

• "Ela Não Gosta de Mim"
• "Companheiro"
• "Ainda Sou Você"
• "A Moto"
• "Vem Pra Mim"
• "Ei! Garota"
• "Guerreiros"
• "Mariá"
• "Jura de Amor"
• "Amor e Música"
• "Nada Que Eu Quero Mais"
• "Dançando Com Ela"
• "P. da Vida"
• "Manequim"
• "Medusa"
• "Tudo a Ver Com o Teu Olhar"
• "Linha e Carretel"
• "Com Todos Menos Comigo"
• "As Palavras" (featuring Angélica)
• "Dono de Mim"
• "Nada Pra Mim"
• "Bruta Ansiedade"
• "Maria"
• "Felicidade Já"
• "Leilão"
• "O Que Eu Te Ponho"
• "Sem Compromisso" (with Mara Maravilha)
• "Bum Bum"
• "Vem Provar"
• "Oh! Carol"
• "Põe, Põe"
• "Baila, Baila Comigo"
• "Estoy Queriendo Contigo"
• "Diz Que Sim"
• "La Bomba"
• "Não Diga Não"
• "Coração Parou"
• "Baby"

Additional Tracks

• "Chega Mais Um Pouco" (in collaboration with Turma do Balão Mágico)
• "Fim de Semana" (with Turma do Balão Mágico)
• "Lindo Balón Azul" (distributed exclusively in Spain and Venezuela)

Music Videos

• Companheiro (1985)
• Ela Não Gosta de Mim (1985)
• Nem Romeu, Nem Julieta (1985)
• Ei, Garota (1985)
• Ainda Sou Você (1985)

... [continues with key video clips]

Performances and Films

Year	Title	Role	Remarks
1984	Balão Mágico (TV program)	Original Dominó members	Special guest appearance
1987	Os Fantasmas Trapalhões	Original Dominó members	Supporting cast
1988	Os Heróis Trapalhões - Uma Aventura na Selva	Original Dominó members	Supporting cast
1988	O Casamento dos Trapalhões	Original Dominó members	Supporting cast
1989	Os Trapalhões na Terra dos Monstros	Original Dominó members	Special guest appearance

External links

• https://www.discogs.com/artist/1214550-Domin%C3%B3
• http://www.last.fm/pt/music/Domin%C3%B3
• http://www.letras.com.br/#!domino