Mestre Louro

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Genres

samba

Instruments

bateria, percussão

Biography

Lourival de Souza Serra, popularly known as Mestre Louro, was born in Rio de Janeiro in 1950. Son of Iracy Serra, one of the founders of the famous Acadêmicos do Salgueiro, and Dona Fia, he grew up immersed in the universe of samba and Rio's carnival, and was also the brother of the renowned composer Almir Guineto.

Consensually recognized as one of the greatest rhythm section directors in carnival history, Mestre Louro led Salgueiro's bateria for over three decades, between 1972 and 2003. Throughout his trajectory of excellence at the helm of the red and white association, he won several prestigious awards, including multiple Estandarte de Ouro trophies in the best bateria category.

In addition to his striking and long-lasting tenure at Salgueiro, he also lent his talent as a bateria director to other samba schools, such as Caprichosos de Pilares and Unidos do Porto da Pedra. Mestre Louro passed away in March 2008, victim of health complications, leaving an invaluable legacy for samba culture and for Rio de Janeiro's samba school parades.