JAI-YO! The name is a word game with the initials of the names of the band members and the American slang “YO!” used as interjection for greetings or to call someone’s attention. The trio literally plays any kind of music genre. It can go from Jazz/Rock/Pop to Latin Jazz/Brazilian Jazz and so on.
Ivan Pineda (bass) is an Australian bassist with Latin American roots. He has over 15 years of extensive experience in many different musical scenarios. Has travelled around the world and has found his new home in Macau.
Ari Calangi (drums) is a multi-instrumentalist from Macau. He has performed with artists such as Khalil Fong, A-Lin, Matzka, Su Yunying and many more as a drummer, guitarist, percussionist and singer.
Dr. Joao Marcos Mascarenhas (piano/keys) is an award-winning musician, teacher, composer, arranger, researcher and performer. He’s lived and worked in Brazil, USA, Europe and Asia with jazz legends Randy Brecker, Hendrik Meurkens, Eugene Pao, Tran Man Tuan, Angelita Li, Ted Lo, Jun Kung, Soler and others.
The singer: Betchy Barros is a singer, songwriter who started singing traditional African music at the age of fifteen. In 2020, Betchy graduated from the Academy of Contemporary Music in London with a BA (Hons) degree in Professional Music Performance. Now, based in Macau, she has performed in a variety of amazing events in different countries including: art exhibitions, fashion shows, festivals cultural events and many more. Betchy & JAI-YO! will perform soul, neo-soul, reggae, jazz, blues, West African, Brazilian & contemporary music styles.