Nelson Sargento

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Also known as

Nelson Mattos, Nelson Rosa

Years Active

1949–2021

Genres

samba, MPB

Instruments

guitar, tambourine, vocals

Biography

Nelson Sargento was one of the most prominent figures in Brazilian samba, renowned as a composer, singer, visual artist, and writer. Born in Rio de Janeiro, he spent his formative years in the hills of Salgueiro and later became deeply rooted in the Estação Primeira de Mangueira samba school. Guided by his stepfather, Alfredo Lourenço, Nelson emerged as a talented composer in his youth, writing award-winning carnival march anthems such as "Apologia ao Mestre" and establishing a lifelong legacy within the Mangueira community where he eventually served as president of the composers' wing and honorary president.

His career expanded significantly during the 1960s when he performed at the legendary Zicartola restaurant run by Cartola and Dona Zica. This exposure led to his participation in the groundbreaking musical show "Rosa de Ouro" alongside fellow greats like Paulinho da Viola and Elton Medeiros, as well as membership in seminal groups such as A Voz do Morro and Os Cinco Crioulos. Although he composed hundreds of songs throughout his life, it was not until 1979, following the massive success of his composition "Agoniza Mas Não Morre" recorded by Beth Carvalho, that he released his debut solo album, "Sonho de um Sambista."

Beyond his immense musical contributions, Nelson was a respected poet, painter, and actor, exhibiting his abstract artworks and publishing literary works like "Prisioneiro do Mundo." He maintained an active presence in Brazilian culture well into his later years, receiving honors and continuing to perform until his passing in 2021. His profound artistry cemented his status as an immortal guardian of traditional urban samba, deeply connected to luminaries of the genre including Carlos Cachaça and Jair do Cavaquinho.

Discography

• Sonho de um Sambista (1979)
• Encanto da Paisagem (1986)
• Inéditas - Projeto Preservação da Música Popular (1990)
• História e Paisagem - Ao Vivo no Japão - (1993)
• Inéditas de Cartola (1994)
• Elton Medeiros, Nelson Sargento & Galo Preto – Só Cartola (1999)
• Galo Preto, Nelson Sargento, Soraya Ravenle – O Dono das Calçadas (1999)
• Nelson Sargento, Guilherme de Brito, Monarco e Mais... – Mangueira & Portela - Velhas Companheiras (2000)
• Flores em Vida (2001)
• Versátil (2008)
• Nelson Sargento com Galo Preto e Pedro Miranda – 91 Anos de Samba (2016)
• Rio e Carnaval