Francisco Sena

Origin

Bahia, BA

Years active

1931–1935

Genres

samba, marcha, macumba, embolada

Instruments

guitar, bandolim

Biography

Francisco Sena was a Brazilian singer and composer who rose to prominence in the 1930s. He began his recording career in 1931 with the Odeon label, releasing the samba "Bota o talher na mesa," which he also wrote. In the same year, he collaborated with Luperce Miranda on "Mulata boa" and recorded "Sozinho" and "Não te deixarei" by Miranda, as well as his own compositions "Periquito voou" and "Totoca" with Miranda on bandolim and Tute on guitar.

Sena was also part of the Conjunto Tupy, led by J. B. de Carvalho. He formed a popular duo with Herivelto Martins called "Dupla Preto e Branco" (Black and White Duo). Together, they recorded several songs, including "Vamos soltar balão" and "Como é belo." In 1933, their performances at Cine Odeon caught the attention of impresario Vicente Marzullo, leading to their contract as a duo. They released their first record as "Preto e Branco" in 1934 with the sambas "Quatro horas" and "Preto e branco."

His solo career also saw success. In 1933, he recorded "Meus orixás" and "Quem tá de ronda" for Victor, with the latter becoming a hit. He also recorded "Pretinho de alma branca" in the same year. His final recording, made shortly before his death, included the marches "Bronzeada" and "Passado, presente, futuro," co-written with Herivelto Martins. At the time of his passing, the "Dupla Preto e Branco" was highly successful. Francisco Sena left behind a significant discography, including solo records and collaborations with Conjunto Tupy and Herivelto Martins.