Jorginho do Império

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Also known as

Jorge Antônio Carlos

Years active

1973

Genres

samba

Instruments

vocals

Biography

Jorginho do Império, born Jorge Antônio Carlos in Rio de Janeiro, is a prominent Brazilian singer and radio broadcaster deeply rooted in the traditions of samba. He is the son of Mano Décio da Viola, one of the founding figures of the renowned samba school Império Serrano, an institution where Jorginho eventually assumed the role of honorary president. Over the decades, he has become a vital custodian of his school's heritage, serving as a lead carnival interpreter and carnival director.

His recording career took off significantly in the 1970s, during which he worked alongside his friend Martinho da Vila and achieved a major career breakthrough with the 1975 release of the hit song "Na beira do mar". Alongside his prolific discography spanning albums like Brasil... Quem Quiser Pode Ir and Alma Imperiana, he expanded his cultural outreach into broadcasting, hosting the radio program "Barracão do Samba" and launching a dedicated web portal to celebrate sambistas and the wider world of samba.

Today, Jorginho continues to reside in the traditional Rio de Janeiro neighborhood of Madureira, living on a street named in honor of his father near the heart of Império Serrano. His lasting contributions have cemented his status as a pillar of traditional samba culture, bridging generations of artists and preserving the vibrant history of Brazilian carnival music alongside contemporaries such as Martinho da Vila.