Josias Sobrinho

Origin

Penalva, MA

Years Active

1970

Genres

música popular brasileira, samba, choro, forró, cacuriá, tambor de crioula, bumba-meu-boi, MPB

Instruments

acoustic guitar, vocals

Biography

Josias Silva Sobrinho, known artistically as Josias Sobrinho, was born on July 15, 1953, in a village called Tramaúba, which today belongs to the municipality of Cajari, in Maranhão. His musical journey began in the 1970s, when he started composing in Belo Horizonte (MG), where he lived for two years. Upon returning to Maranhão in 1972, he became close to the Laboratory of Artistic Expressions (Laborarte), an important center of cultural effervescence at the time, which brought together local artists for research on Maranhão culture.

In 1978, Josias Sobrinho gained greater visibility when musician Papete recorded four of his songs on the anthological album "Bandeira de Aço". From then on, his work began to be recognized nationwide, being recorded by several renowned artists of Brazilian popular music (MPB), such as Alcione, Rita Benneditto, Diana Pequeno, Pena Branca and Xavantinho, Leci Brandão, and even Xuxa. His music is deeply rooted in Maranhão's popular culture, exploring rhythms such as samba, choro, forró, cacuriá, tambor de crioula, and bumba-meu-boi, with lyrics that address social, cultural, and everyday themes.

With a career spanning over 50 years, Josias Sobrinho is recognized not only as a composer, but also as a singer, acoustic guitarist, producer, and cultural researcher. He has released several solo albums, including "Engenho de Flores" (1987) and "Josias Sobrinho" (1994), in addition to participating in collections and projects that celebrate the music of his homeland. His work is considered a milestone in Maranhão and Brazilian music, contributing significantly to the preservation and dissemination of Maranhão's cultural identity. He is married to singer and producer Lenita Pinheiro, with whom he has three children.

Discography

• Engenho de Flores (1987)
• Nosso Neném de Josias Sobrinho (1997)
• Dente de Ouro (2005)
• Apanhado Geral, um (2018)
• Apanhado Geral, Dois (2021)
• Canção em Canção, Vol. 6 - Bons Ventos (2023)
• Canção em Canção, Vol. 5 - Lenita Pinheiro Canta Josias Sobrinho (2023)
• Canção em Canção, Vol. 4 - Quando For Verão (2023)
• Canção em Canção, Vol. 2 - Eu Tive um Sonho (2023)
• Canção em Canção, Vol. 1 - Vida Bagaço, um Tributo ao Rabo de Vaca (2023)
• Canção em Canção, Vol. 10 - Em Parceria (2024)
• Canção em Canção, Vol. 9 - A Pedra, a Lida, o Arremate (2024)
• Canção em Canção, Vol. 8 - Como Você Gosta (2024)
• Canção em Canção, Vol. 7 - O Samba Como Casa Como Condição (2024)
• Canção em Canção, Vol. 3 - Dança dos Contrários (2026)