Almir Guineto

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Genres

samba, samba de raiz, partido alto

Instruments

banjo-cavaquinho, cavaquinho, violão

Biography

Born in Rio de Janeiro, Almir de Souza Serra, known artistically as Almir Guineto, stood out as one of the greatest names in traditional samba and the history of Brazilian music. Raised in Morro do Salgueiro in a family deeply connected to the GRES Acadêmicos do Salgueiro samba school, he had direct contact with the rhythm from childhood, breathing in Rio de Janeiro's popular culture. Alongside partners from the Bloco Carnavalesco Cacique de Ramos and the group Os Originais do Samba, Guineto revolutionized the sound of samba by adapting a banjo with a cavaquinho neck, creating the famous banjo-cavaquinho.

In addition to his instrumental significance, Almir was one of the founders of the legendary group Fundo de Quintal before pursuing a solid and award-winning solo career starting in the 1980s. His compositions and performances marked an era, being recorded by major icons of MPB and samba such as Beth Carvalho, Alcione, and Jovelina Pérola Negra. Unforgettable hits like "Caxambu", "Conselho", and "Insensato Destino" cemented his name in the pantheon of national music, with special mention also given to "Coisinha do Pai", which was even used in a space mission to Mars by NASA.

Active until the final years of his life and recognized for his unmatched contribution to the genre, Almir Guineto passed away in 2017, leaving an indelible legacy for Brazilian culture. His career intersects with that of various samba exponents, engaging both with the tradition of the older generations (velhas guardas) and with contemporary innovations, such as his collaboration with rapper Mano Brown.

Discography

• O Suburbano (1981)
• A Chave do Perdão (1982)
• Sorriso Novo (1985)
• Almir Guineto (1986)
• 1986 (1986)
• Perfume de Champanhe (1987)
• Olhos da Vida (1988)
• Jeito de Amar (1989)
• De Bem com a Vida (1991)
• Pele de Chocolate (1993)
• Acima de Deus, Só Deus (1995)
• Pés (1997)
• Todos os Pagodes (2001)
• Cartão de Visita (2012)