Carlos Senna

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Genres

samba, samba-enredo, MPB

Instruments

vocals, percussion

Biography

Carlos Senna is a renowned Brazilian singer and songwriter deeply rooted in the samba tradition, particularly associated with the traditional samba school Império Serrano. As a prominent member of the school's composer wing, he has authored several celebrated carnival samba-enredos that have left a lasting mark on Rio de Janeiro's Carnival history, collaborating with notable artists such as Arlindo Cruz and Maurição.

Beyond the avenues of the sambadrome, Senna's compositional talent has yielded a vast catalog of recorded works interpreted by some of the biggest names in Brazilian samba and popular music. Throughout his career, legendary performers like Zeca Pagodinho, Beth Carvalho, Almir Guineto, Alcione, and Bezerra da Silva have recorded his songs, cementing his status as an essential figure in modern samba composition.

His contributions to carnival have been widely recognized with prestigious accolades, including multiple Estandarte de Ouro trophies for best samba-enredo with Império Serrano. Alongside his prolific songwriting partnerships with peers like Luiz Carlos da Vila and Sombrinha, Carlos Senna continues to be celebrated as a vital custodian of authentic samba culture.