Barbosa was known for exploring nagô, maracatu, and caboclinho, along with other percussion rhythms. He entered Valença's band in 1988, where he remained for 26 years. Valença made a tribute song to Barbosa while he was alive, titled
Quando Edwin desde a ladeira. He was also present at solo works along with partner
Stanley Jordan and at the Perc Pan festival, playing with
Naná Vasconcelos,
Gilberto Gil, and
Carlinhos Brown. In 2013, he was given the Troféu Luiz Gonzaga, granted by the Câmara Municipal de Olinda, for "his relevant role in the enlargement of the Northeast music and culture." He also ran for state deputy for Pernambuco in 2010. ==Death==