Jongo da Serrinha

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Years Active

1960s

Genres

jongo, samba, afro-brazilian music, brazilian popular music

Instruments

tambú, caxambu, candongueiro, acoustic guitar, cavaquinho, mandolin, flute, accordion, percussion

Biography

O Jongo da Serrinha is an Afro-Brazilian cultural group with deep roots in Morro da Serrinha, in Madureira, Rio de Janeiro. Founded in the 1960s by Vovó Maria Joana Rezadeira and her son Mestre Darcy do Jongo, the group is dedicated to the preservation and dissemination of jongo, a rhythm of Bantu origin brought to Brazil by enslaved Africans. Jongo da Serrinha is not only a musical group, but a space for cultural resistance, strengthening black identity and promoting collectivity and solidarity in urban peripheries. Its work goes beyond music, encompassing education, memory, and community development, combating structural racism.

The trajectory of Jongo da Serrinha is marked by the dedication of its members to keeping this tradition alive. Mestre Darcy do Jongo was instrumental in introducing new instruments and including children and youth, expanding the circulation of jongo beyond traditional circles and culminating in its recognition as Brazilian Cultural Heritage by IPHAN in 2005. After his leadership, Tia Maria do Jongo took over, focusing on social work with children and performances throughout Brazil. Currently, under the leadership of Dely Monteiro, granddaughter of Vovó Maria Joana, the group continues to honor the legacy of its predecessors, promoting jongo as living heritage.

Jongo da Serrinha released the country's first jongo CD in 2002, titled "Jongo da Serrinha", dedicated to Mestre Darcy do Jongo and winner of the Prêmio Rival BR for Best Heritage Album. Other notable works include the CD "Vida ao Jongo" (2013), dedicated to Tia Maria do Jongo, and "Conversas de Quintal – 60 anos do Jongo da Serrinha" (2022). The group has collaborated with several renowned MPB artists, such as Clara Nunes, Zeca Pagodinho, and Jorge Mautner, and has performed in various countries, bringing the richness of Afro-Brazilian culture to the world.

Discography

• Vida ao Jongo (2013)