Hilário Jovino Ferreira

Origin

Salvador, BA

Genres

samba, choro, brazilian popular music

Instruments

acoustic guitar, percussion

Biography

Hilário Jovino Ferreira, widely known as Lalau de Ouro, was born in Bahia on October 21, 1855, and died in Rio de Janeiro on March 1, 1933. The son of freed slaves, he moved to the capital of Rio de Janeiro in 1872, becoming a central figure in the dissemination of samba and the structuring of Rio's carnival. A resident of Morro da Conceição, he initially joined the "Dois de Ouros" *rancho* before founding "Rei de Ouros", considered the first organized carnival *rancho* in Rio de Janeiro, introducing innovations such as the plot, string and wind instruments, as well as the master-of-ceremonies (*mestre-sala*) and flag-bearer (*porta-bandeira*) couple.

In addition to his relevance in the creation of carnival *ranchos* — having founded several other groups such as "Rosa Branca", "As Jardineiras", and "Ameno Resedá" —, Hilário circulated intensely through Little Africa and frequented the famous house of Tia Ciata. There, he was involved in historical discussions regarding the collective authorship of the classic samba "Pelo Telefone", officially credited to Donga. His cultural articulation and bohemian spirit profoundly marked the beginning of the 20th century in the city, making him a pioneer honored and remembered for his invaluable contribution to Brazilian popular culture.

His influence extended through family and artistic ties, being the uncle of the renowned samba player and composer Heitor dos Prazeres. Hilário Jovino Ferreira died shortly after the end of the 1933 carnival, leaving an indelible legacy that paved the way for the emergence of samba schools and the consolidation of the country's major popular celebrations.