Sombrinha

Origin

São Vicente, SP

Also known as

Montgomery Ferreira Nunis

Years Active

1977–presente

Genres

samba, pagode, choro

Instruments

vocals, acoustic guitar, cavaquinho, banjo, mandolin

Biography

Montgomery Ferreira Nunis, better known as Sombrinha, is a renowned Brazilian singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, born in São Vicente, SP, on August 30, 1959. His musical journey began in his teens, influenced by his father, who hosted choro jam sessions at home and taught him his first guitar chords. Self-taught, Sombrinha honed his skills and, by age 16, was already performing in nightclubs. His professional career took off in 1977, when he recorded with acoustic guitarist Baden Powell and the group Os Originais do Samba. In 1979, he moved to Rio de Janeiro, where he became a central figure in the samba scene.

In Rio de Janeiro, Sombrinha frequented the courtyard of the Cacique de Ramos Carnival Block, a breeding ground for talent. It was there that, in 1980, he co-founded the iconic group Fundo de Quintal, alongside friends like Almir Guineto, Jorge Aragão, Ubirany, and Bira Presidente. With Fundo de Quintal, Sombrinha recorded 13 albums, won the Sharp Award for Best Samba Ensemble five times, and helped revolutionize the genre by incorporating instruments like the banjo and the tantã, consolidating pagode. His first recorded composition was "Marcas no leito", in 1981, by singer Alcione.

In the early 1990s, Sombrinha left Fundo de Quintal to pursue a solo career, releasing his first album in 1993 and achieving success with "Amor não é por aí", which earned him the Sharp Award for Male Revelation. Later, he formed a successful duo with Arlindo Cruz, releasing several albums and further solidifying his name in Brazilian popular music. Throughout his career, Sombrinha has accumulated more than 400 compositions recorded by major names such as Beth Carvalho, Zeca Pagodinho, Dona Ivone Lara, Chico Buarque, and Caetano Veloso, being recognized for his genius as a songwriter and his instrumental versatility, playing acoustic guitar, cavaquinho, banjo, and mandolin.

Discography

• Sombrinha (1992)
• As Gatas, Conjunto Nosso Samba, Quinho, Rico Medeiros, Sombrinha, Touro (2), Vaguinho, Zé Di, Zequinha do Salgueiro e Zezé Mota – Salgueiro (1993)
• Pintura na Tela (1994)
• Arlindo Cruz & Sombrinha – Da Música (1996)
• Arlindo Cruz & Sombrinha – Samba É a Nossa Cara (1997)
• Arlindo Cruz & Sombrinha – Pra Ser Feliz (1998)
• Derramando Alegria (2003)
• Arlindo Cruz e Sombrinha – Ao Vivo (2004)
• Matéria-Prima (2013)
• Viver Gonzaguinha, os Sambas do Morro de São Carlos (2024)
• Arlindo Cruz & Sombrinha – Hoje Tem Samba