Roberto Ribeiro
- Origin
- Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ
- Years active
- 1965–1996
- Genres
- samba, samba-enredo, afoxé, ijexá, maracatu
- Instruments
- vocals
Biography
Roberto Ribeiro, born Dermeval Miranda Maciel, was a prominent Brazilian singer and composer celebrated for his smooth timbre and elegant phrasing. A native of Campos dos Goytacazes, he initially pursued a career as a professional football goalkeeper before moving to Rio de Janeiro. His musical journey began on Radio Mauá and flourished after he joined the Império Serrano samba school, where he became one of its most iconic voices, especially known for his work as a samba-enredo interpreter.\n\nThroughout the 1970s and 1980s, Ribeiro achieved national stardom with a repertoire that blended traditional samba with African-influenced rhythms like afoxés and maracatus. He collaborated extensively with legendary figures such as Elza Soares, with whom he recorded the acclaimed album "Sangue, Suor e Raça." Other notable artistic partners included Simone, Dona Ivone Lara, and Alcione. His career produced numerous hits that became staples of Brazilian popular music, including "Todo Menino É um Rei" and "Acreditar."\n\nDespite his immense success, Ribeiro faced severe health challenges later in life, including diabetes and a fungal infection that eventually led to the loss of his eyesight. He tragically passed away in 1996 after being hit by a car in Rio de Janeiro. His legacy continues through his son, Alex Ribeiro, and his enduring influence on the carioca samba scene, being remembered as one of the great masters of the genre.