A Voz do Morro

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Years active

1965

Genres

samba

Instruments

vocals, cavaquinho, percussion

Biography

A Voz do Morro was a Brazilian samba group formed in Rio de Janeiro in 1965 by Zé Kéti. The ensemble was conceived as a platform for samba musicians from the favelas to record their own compositions without intermediaries. Many of the members were drawn from the cast of the musical "Rosa de Ouro."

The group released three albums: "Roda de Samba" (1965), "Roda de Samba 2" (1966), and "Os Sambistas" (1967), all under the Musidisc label. Their music celebrated the culture and spirit of the morros (favelas) of Rio de Janeiro, often addressing social themes with a blend of pride and resilience.

Notable members included Zé Kéti, Paulinho da Viola, Elton Medeiros, Nelson Sargento, Anescarzinho do Salgueiro, Jair do Cavaquinho, Zé Cruz, and Oscar Bigode. Many of these musicians went on to have significant solo careers, contributing to the rich tapestry of Brazilian popular music.