Quinho do Salgueiro

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Genres

samba-enredo, samba

Instruments

vocals

Biography

Melquisedeque Marins Marques, known professionally as Quinho do Salgueiro, was a renowned Brazilian carnival singer and samba-enredo interpreter. Born in Rio de Janeiro, he began his musical journey in the block Boi da Freguesia before joining Aroldo Melodia's sound car at União da Ilha, where he made his debut as a main singer in 1988. Throughout his illustrious career, he left an indelible mark on the Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo carnival scenes, lending his powerful voice to iconic samba schools such as Rosas de Ouro, Grande Rio, and Vila Maria.

His greatest historical prominence came with Acadêmicos do Salgueiro, where he achieved legendary status. In 1993, he famously led the school to victory with the iconic anthem "Peguei um Ita no Norte", and later captured another championship title in 2003 and 2009 with "Tambor". Quinho worked alongside numerous celebrated musical figures of the genre, collaborating with artists like Nêgo, Serginho do Porto, and Emerson Dias during his time commanding the sound cars on the Marquês de Sapucaí.

Beyond his vocal contributions, Quinho was deeply involved in the internal culture and community of the samba schools until his passing in January 2024. He battled prostate cancer in his final years, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest icons of Brazilian carnival music. His profound impact on samba-enredo continues to be celebrated by musicians, fans, and cultural institutions across Brazil.