Ito Melodia

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Years Active

1980

Genres

samba-enredo, samba, pagode

Instruments

voice

Biography

Acraílton Forde, better known as Ito Melodia, was born in Rio de Janeiro on July 25, 1969. The son of renowned singer Aroldo Melodia, he grew up frequenting the rehearsal space and samba circles of União da Ilha do Governador, absorbing the tradition of Rio's carnival from an early age. After joining the pagode group Brasil Brasileiro for twelve years, Ito began his journey in the sound cars and assumed the position of main interpreter for União da Ilha in the 1990s, initially sharing the microphone with his father before becoming the school's primary name.

Throughout his carnival career, Ito Melodia established himself as one of the country's greatest samba-enredo interpreters, passing through associations such as Acadêmicos da Porto da Pedra, Império Serrano, Unidos da Tijuca, and Império da Tijuca. His powerful and striking voice earned him several prestigious awards, including multiple Estandarte de Ouro trophies for best interpreter, as well as recognitions like Tamborim de Ouro and Estrela do Carnaval. He also ventured into discography with the album "O samba em minha vida", released in 2010.

Recognized for his strong connection to União da Ilha, where he remained for twenty years until his departure, Ito became a central and respected figure in Rio de Janeiro's revelry. Alongside his work in Rio's samba school parades, he also lent his talent to out-of-season carnivals, such as in Uruguaiana with Cova da Onça. His artistic trajectory blends the family heritage left by Aroldo Melodia with a distinct identity of his own that definitively marked the history of popular music and Brazilian samba.

Discography

• O Samba em Minha Vida (2022)