Rubem Confete

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Also known as

Rubem dos Santos

Years Active

1961–presente

Genres

samba, música popular brasileira

Biography

Rubem Confete, stage name of Rubem dos Santos, is a renowned composer, journalist, radio broadcaster, scriptwriter, playwright, singer, and scholar of Afro-Brazilian issues. Born in Rio de Janeiro on December 7, 1936, his career is intertwined with the history of samba and Rio de Janeiro's carnival. He began his musical career in 1961 as a dancer in samba schools such as Mangueira and Salgueiro, and soon joined the composers' wing of Império da Tijuca. His work extended to radio, where he hosted programs such as "Ponto do Samba" and "Rio de Toda Gente," and to the press, collaborating with various newspapers and magazines.

Throughout his career, Rubem Confete has demonstrated a deep knowledge and passion for samba, being considered a "griot" – a storyteller and guardian of Afro-Brazilian cultural memory. He founded the Apóstolos do Samba association and participated in the founding of the Grêmio Recreativo de Artes Negras e Escola de Samba Quilombo, alongside names such as Candeia, Wilson Moreira, and Nei Lopes. As a composer, he has several songs recorded by renowned artists, such as "Pagode do Exorcista" (with Nei Lopes and Wilson Simonal), "Xangô é de Baê" (with João Donato and Caetano Veloso), and "Poeira Pura" (with João de Aquino).

In addition to his work in music, Rubem Confete also stood out in investigative journalism, covering wars and receiving awards such as the Esso and the Tim Lopes Award. Currently, he is a scriptwriter for the program "Linha Direta" on TV Globo. His vast experience and contribution to Brazilian culture have earned him tributes and recognition as an essential figure in the preservation and dissemination of samba and Afro-Brazilian traditions.

Discography

• Sou Raça (2003)