Reinaldo

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Also known as

Reinaldo Gonçalves Zacarias, O Príncipe do Pagode

Years active

1982–2019

Genres

samba, partido-alto, pagode, mpb

Instruments

voice

Biography

Reinaldo Gonçalves Zacarias, widely known as "O Príncipe do Pagode" (The Prince of Pagode), was a prominent Brazilian singer and songwriter, born in Rio de Janeiro on November 9, 1954. He emerged as a key figure in the romantic pagode movement of the 1980s, significantly contributing to the popularization of samba from Rio de Janeiro within the São Paulo music scene. His musical journey began in the samba circles of his hometown, and after moving to São Paulo in 1982, he became a pioneer of the pagode scene in the city, helping to shape the genre that would achieve widespread fame in the following decades.

Before dedicating himself fully to music, Reinaldo worked in the banking sector, becoming the first Black employee at Citibank Brazil in the 1970s. This background provided him with a unique perspective before he fully embraced his passion for music. His career in music took off with his first album, "Retrato Cantado de Um Amor," released in 1986, which achieved considerable sales and earned him a gold record. This success solidified his position as a leading interpreter of romantic pagode, characterized by his smooth voice and emotive delivery.

Throughout his career, Reinaldo collaborated with numerous renowned samba artists, including Dona Ivone Lara, João Nogueira, Leci Brandão, and Zeca Pagodinho. He released several albums, such as "Aquela Imagem" (1987), the "Pagode Pra Valer" series, and "30 Anos: Uma Vida de Muito Samba" (2017). Reinaldo also composed songs recorded by other artists, like "Me Perdoa Poeta," famously performed by Leci Brandão. Despite battling lung cancer in his later years, he continued to perform until shortly before his death on November 18, 2019, leaving behind a rich legacy that continues to be celebrated in samba and pagode circles across Brazil.