Argemiro Patrocínio

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Years active

1950s–2003

Genres

samba, pagode, brazilian traditions

Instruments

voice, pandeiro

Biography

Argemiro do Patrocínio, widely known as Argemiro da Portela, was a Brazilian singer, composer, and pandeiro player. Born in Rio de Janeiro in 1923, he became deeply associated with the Portela samba school, to the point where he was often referred to by the school's name. His musical journey began later in life, with him reportedly starting to compose sambas only after the age of 50. Despite this late start, he became a respected figure within the samba community, particularly for his unique style of playing the pandeiro, which was considered a hallmark of the traditional Portela sound.

Patrocínio's career gained significant momentum in the 1970s when his compositions began to be recorded by established artists. The song "A Chuva Cai," co-written with Casquinha, became a hit after being recorded by Beth Carvalho. This success opened doors for him, leading to introductions to prominent figures in Brazilian music, such as Chico Buarque and Vinicius de Moraes. His lyrical talent, often drawing from personal experiences and observations, contributed to the richness of his compositions.

Throughout his life, Argemiro Patrocínio was a vital part of the "Velha Guarda da Portela" (Old Guard of Portela), a group of veteran samba musicians and composers from the renowned samba school. His solo album, "Argemiro Patrocínio," released in 2002 and produced by Marisa Monte, showcased his delicate voice and subtle rhythmic style, featuring collaborations with artists like Teresa Cristina. He passed away in Rio de Janeiro on May 21, 2003, leaving behind a legacy as a distinctive voice and a master of the pandeiro in Brazilian samba.