Inami Custódio Pinto

Origin

Curitiba, PR

Genres

MPB, folklore, brazilian music

Biography

Inami Custódio Pinto was a renowned Brazilian folklorist, researcher, writer, radio broadcaster, poet, lyricist, composer, record producer, teacher, and television presenter, born in Curitiba, Paraná, on October 19, 1930. His name, of Tupi-Guarani origin, means "blue water." A graduate of the Faculty of Arts of Paraná (FAP), Inami dedicated his life to recording and preserving the cultural traditions, rhythms, dances, and music of the state of Paraná. He became a national reference in his studies on indigenous peoples and communities that keep alive the memory of myths, legends, beliefs, and cultural manifestations. His work includes several books on folklore, as well as articles addressing indigenous culture and popular manifestations of Paraná.

As a composer, Inami Custódio Pinto created more than 200 songs, the best known being "Gralha Azul" (Blue Jay), which honors the symbol bird of Paraná. His compositions were recorded by artists such as Ary Fontoura, Odelair Rodrigues, and Os Calouros do Ritmo. He is also the author of the anthem of the city of Toledo and made the first audio and video recordings of the fandango from the coast of Paraná, in addition to having contributed to the recovery of manifestations such as the congada of Lapa and the "Dança de São Gonçalo." His work as a researcher and composer established him as one of the greatest names in the culture of Paraná.

In addition to his artistic and intellectual production, Inami Custódio Pinto worked as a professor of the "Folklore" discipline in institutions such as the Faculty of Musical Education of Paraná and the Faculty of Arts of Paraná. He also chaired the "First Conference of Debates on National Folklore" and actively participated in the state's cultural projects. Inami hosted an interview program on television in Paraná, where he welcomed personalities of local culture. His dedication to Brazilian culture, especially that of Paraná, made him a figure of great importance and legacy. He passed away in Curitiba on May 27, 2014.