Monsueto Campos Meneses

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Also known as

Monsueto, Monsueto Campos Menezes, Monsueto de Menezes, Monsueto Menezes

Years Active

1940–1973

Genres

samba, MPB

Instruments

vocals, drums, percussion

Biography

Monsueto Campos Meneses, known artistically as Monsueto, was a multifaceted artist who left an indelible mark on Brazilian popular music. Born in Rio de Janeiro on November 4, 1924, he was raised in Morro do Pinto, where he fell in love with the rhythms of samba from an early age. His artistic career spanned several areas: he was a singer, songwriter, percussionist, painter, and actor, demonstrating a singular talent in each of them.

His musical career began in the 1940s as a drummer in various ensembles, including the renowned Copinha Orchestra, which performed at the Copacabana Palace Hotel. As a composer, Monsueto scored memorable hits such as "A Fonte Secou", "Me Deixa em Paz", and "Mora na Filosofia", songs that became classics of samba and MPB, and were recorded by countless artists over the decades. His raspy voice and poetic sensitivity captivated the public, cementing him as one of the great names of his generation.

In addition to his contribution to music, Monsueto also stood out as a film and television actor, participating in movies like "Treze Cadeiras" and comedy shows that made him popular. Starting in 1965, he dedicated himself to painting, exploring the primitivist style and receiving recognition for his artistic work. Monsueto passed away prematurely on March 17, 1973, a victim of liver cancer, but his artistic legacy, which moves between samba, acting, and the visual arts, remains alive and revered.

Discography

• Mora na Filosofia dos Sambas de Monsueto (1962)
• Bigorrilho (1964)