Eduardo Gallotti

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Also known as

Eduardo Gallotti Póvoa

Years Active

1980s–2022

Genres

samba, pagode, choro, gafieira

Instruments

cavaquinho, percussion, vocals

Biography

Eduardo Gallotti, born Eduardo Gallotti Póvoa on February 7, 1964, was a prominent Brazilian samba singer, songwriter, cavaquinho player, and percussionist. He passed away on May 12, 2022, leaving behind a significant legacy in traditional samba music. Gallotti was deeply involved in the resurgence of samba in Rio de Janeiro, particularly in the Lapa neighborhood, during the late 1990s and early 2000s. He was instrumental in founding and revitalizing numerous samba circles (rodas de samba) throughout the city, including "Candongueiro," "Sobrenatural," "Emporium 100," "Semente," "Democráticos," "Bar do Juarez," "Severina," and the "Trapiche da Gamboa." His dedication to preserving and promoting traditional samba earned him the respect of both his peers and younger generations of musicians.

Gallotti's musical journey began in his youth, and he honed his skills by studying the cavaquinho with Henrique Cases and percussion with Marcos Suzano. In the 1980s, he was part of musical research groups "Diz Isso Cantando" and "Éramos Seis." Beyond his work with samba circles, Gallotti also contributed to the broader cultural landscape. He participated as an actor and singer in the film "Noel Rosa, o Poeta da Vila" and a short film titled "Samba no Botequim do Seu Zé." His musical talents also extended to composing sambas for street carnivals and serving as a judge for samba school parades. In 2010, his co-authored marchinha "O bispo também que levar" achieved second place in a national competition.

Throughout his career, Eduardo Gallotti had the privilege of accompanying and performing with many legendary Brazilian artists, including Moreira da Silva, Ivone Lara, Monarco, Walter Alfaiate, Nelson Sargento, Xangô da Mangueira, and Zeca Pagodinho. He also shared stages with Elza Soares and Paulinho da Viola. In 2002, he released his first CD as an interpreter, "O Samba das Rodas," featuring a repertoire from the samba circles he so passionately supported. His influence reached beyond Brazil, as he performed in Honduras in 2007 as part of a program to promote Brazilian music. In 2013, he performed in Portugal during the "Ano Brasil Portugal" celebrations. Gallotti's commitment to samba remained until his final days; he was known to gather nurses for samba circles even while hospitalized.

Discography

• O Samba das Rodas (2002)
• Quem Me Conhece (2015)