Cacique e Pajé

Origin

Rondonópolis, MT

Genres

música sertaneja, caipira

Instruments

viola caipira, guitar, vocals

Biography

Cacique & Pajé was a traditional Brazilian country music duo formed by Antônio Borges de Alvarenga (Cacique) and Roque Pereira Paiva (Pajé). Born in an indigenous community on the banks of the Red River in Rondonópolis, the original members were given to cattle drivers during a yellow fever epidemic and raised by adoptive families. Before officially creating Cacique e Pajé in 1978 — a name suggested by the legendary duo Tonico & Tinoco —, they performed under several pseudonyms, including Peixoto & Peixinho and Rei do Gado e Boiadeiro. They quickly rose to prominence in the *música sertaneja* scene, releasing successful albums and performing at historic venues alongside prominent acts like Sérgio Reis.

Over the decades, the duo underwent various lineup changes due to health issues and the passing of original members. Following Pajé's stroke in 1985 and subsequent health struggles, and later health complications faced by Cacique, several musicians stepped in to perform and record under the iconic moniker, including Cachoêra and eventually Geraldo Aparecido da Silva, who became the new Pajé in 1997. Throughout their career, Cacique e Pajé became celebrated for their authentic *modas de viola* and deep indigenous roots, leaving a lasting legacy in traditional Brazilian roots music. Their notable hits include "Pescador e Catireiro", "O Milagre do Batismo", and "Caçando e Pescando".

Discography

• Cacique e Pajé (Vol. 1) (1978)
• Cacique e Pajé - Vol. 2 (1979)
• Poema das Cordas - Vol. 3 (1980)
• Os índios e a Viola (1981)
• As Flores e os Animais (1982)
• Cacique e Pajé (1983)
• Cadê o Gato (1983)
• Peão Sabido (1985)
• Tributo ao Cacique (2019)
• Os Clássicos Raíz (2022)
• Dia de Pescaria (2022)
• Voz e Viola (Acústico) (2022)