Duo Guarujá

Years active

1955–1977

Genres

romantic sertanejo, bolero, guarânia, huapango, caipira music

Instruments

voice

Biography

Duo Guarujá was a romantic sertanejo duo formed by Armando Castro (Armando Argentoni) and Nilsen Ribeiro (Manilce Lallis). Married in 1951, they combined their voices and passion for music to create one of Brazil's most popular duets in the 1950s and 1960s.

The name "Duo Guarujá" came from a contest, and the duo recorded their first record in 1955 with the Continental label, featuring the bolero "Non Dimenticar" and the guarânia "Filha de Maria". Success was immediate, and in 1956 they were awarded the Roquette Pinto Prize as "The Best Vocal Duo". Their versatility allowed them to skillfully navigate various genres, such as guarânias, boleros, huapangos, and caipira music.

Throughout their careers, Duo Guarujá recorded over 50 records, including 78 rpm singles, EPs, and LPs, cementing their place as a landmark in Brazilian popular music. One of their biggest hits, the guarânia "Cabecinha no Ombro", stayed at number one on the charts for six months and earned the duo countless awards. Nilsen Ribeiro passed away in 2007 in Santo André, São Paulo, and Armando Castro has also passed away.