Alvaiade

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Also known as

Oswaldo dos Santos

Years Active

1928–1981

Genres

samba, choro, samba-enredo

Instruments

cavaquinho, percussion

Biography

Oswaldo dos Santos, known artistically as Alvaiade, was a prominent Brazilian composer, samba artist, and singer, born in Rio de Janeiro on December 21, 1913. His journey in Brazilian music is intrinsically linked to the Portela Samba School, where he became a figure of great prominence and leadership. Alvaiade entered the universe of samba in 1928 and was brought into Portela by Paulo da Portela, the school's founder, who would later consider him his successor. His influence in the association extended beyond composition, also acting in administrative roles and being responsible for launching new samba talents, such as Manacéia, Chico Santana, and Walter Rosa.

Alvaiade also joined the Portela Velha Guarda ensemble in the final years of his life, serving as its leader. His work includes samba-enredo anthems that secured victories for Portela in carnival parades, such as "A vida do samba" (in partnership with Bibi, 1942) and "Brasil, terra da liberdade" (with Nílson, 1943). He also composed "Honra ao mérito" (with Ventura), which led the school to victory in 1947. In addition to being a composer, Alvaiade was a skilled orator and played the cavaquinho and various percussion instruments.

His musical career was marked by partnerships with several renowned composers, such as Bibi, Nílson, Djalma Mafra, Chico Santana, Monarco, among others. Songs like "Marinheiro de primeira viagem", "Embrulho que eu carrego", and "Banco de réu" are examples of his legacy. Alvaiade passed away on June 23, 1981, in Rio de Janeiro, leaving an important collection of work for Brazilian popular music, especially for samba and the history of Portela.