Genival Lacerda

Origin

Juazeirinho, PB

Also known as

Radinho de Pilha

Years Active

1950–2021

Genres

forró

Instruments

vocals

Biography

Genival Lacerda Cavalcante was a celebrated Brazilian singer and songwriter deeply rooted in the forró genre, born in Campina Grande. Throughout his prolific career, he recorded seventy albums and became famous for his humorous lyrics, double entendres, and unforgettable catchphrases that captured the spirit of Northeastern culture. Encouraged by his brother-in-law Jackson do Pandeiro, he moved to Rio de Janeiro in the 1960s to expand his musical reach, eventually achieving massive nationwide success in 1975 with the iconic hit Severina Xique-Xique.

His distinctive style and energetic performances earned him a cherished place in Brazilian popular music, leading to numerous collaborations and tributes with artists such as Ivete Sangalo. Over the decades, he remained an active cultural ambassador of forró, releasing beloved tracks like Radinho de Pilha and De quem é esse jegue?. His legacy continues to influence traditional and contemporary forró artists across Brazil.

In his later years, Lacerda faced health challenges, including a stroke and Alzheimer's disease, before passing away in Recife due to complications from COVID-19. His contributions to Brazilian music cemented his status as an enduring icon of the Northeast, remembered fondly by fans and fellow musicians alike.

Discography

• Rei da Munganga (1964)
• Êste É o "Cobra" do Norte (1966)
• O Senador do Rojão (1968)
• Eu Sou Assim (1969)
• Mungangueiro Prá Daná (1970)
• Genival Lacerda, Lúcio Mauro – As Trapalhadas de Cazuza e Seu Barbalho (1970)
• Mungangueiro Aloprado (1971)
• Mugangueiro Prá Daná № 2 (1972)
• Aqui Tem Catimberê (1974)
• Ralador de Coco (1974)
• Vamos Mariquinha (1976)
• O Homem que Tinha Três Pontinhos (1977)
• Cabeça Chata (1978)
• Não Despreze Seu Coroa (1979)
• As Riquezas Do Brasil (1980)
• O Rei da Munganga (1980)
• Me Dê o Gravador (1981)
• Genival Lacerda (1982)
• Presente de Nordestino (1983)
• Troque as Pilhas, Só Não Mate o Véio (1984)
• Caldinho de Mocotó (1985)
• Hot-Dog Baiano (1986)
• A Fubica Dela (1987)
• Galeguin Do Zoi Azu (1988)
• Ripa na Chulipa (1989)
• Negócio da China, com Aquilo! (1990)
• Aqui Só Tem Forró (1991)
• O Rambo do Sertão (1992)
• Rock do Jegue (1994)
• Forró Dance (1995)
• Genival Lacerda, Clemilda – Eles & Elas Volume 2 (1995)
• O Brinquedo da Menina (1996)
• O Photógrafo (1997)
• Genival Lacerda (Ao Vivo) (2000)
• No Parque do Povo em Campina Grande (Ao Vivo) (2002)
• O Pensador (2003)
• Maristela (2006)
• Brasil Popular (2006)
• 60 Anos de Forró com Muita Alegria! (2010)
• No Balanço do Forró - Genival Lacerda Canta Luiz Gonzaga (2012)
• Todas as Caras: O Forró de Seu Vavá, o Rei da Munganga, o Senador do Rojão (2015)
• Pai & Filho (2019)
• Eu Só Quero um Forró (2019)
• Show Minha Estrada (2019)
• No Canto da Ema Ao Vivo 2020 (2020)
• Tributo a Jackson do Pandeiro (2021)
• Forró Raiz 15+ (Vol. 1) (2025)
• Genival Lacerda e Martins da Sanfona – Meu Nordeste