Thobias da Vai Vai

Origin

São Paulo, SP

Also known as

Tobias

Years Active

1982–presente

Genres

samba, samba-enredo, MPB

Instruments

voz

Biography

Edimar Tobias da Silva, artistically known as Thobias da Vai Vai, was born in São Paulo in 1958. He is a renowned singer, actor, radio host, and former carnival director, celebrated for his deep connection to samba and the São Paulo samba school Vai-Vai. His journey in the world of samba began in 1982 when, after standing out in an internal festival at his then-employer, Sabesp, where he won the Best Interpreter award, the path was opened for a promising career. The following year, he became the interpreter for the Gaviões da Fiel bloc, which led him to join Vai-Vai, taking on the role of official interpreter in 1984.

Throughout his career with Vai-Vai, Thobias da Vai Vai won nine of the school's thirteen titles, establishing himself as one of the greatest samba-enredo interpreters in Brazil. His work at the school was not limited to singing; he also held the positions of vice-president starting in 1998 and president between 2006 and 2010, becoming the first samba artist to direct a major carnival school. His administration was marked by the catchphrase "Under new management," and he stepped down from the presidency after the 2010 carnival to focus on his solo career.

In addition to his prominent carnival career, Thobias da Vai Vai is a multifaceted artist. He has released eight solo albums, highlighting "Paulicéia" (2006), considered his most personal and acclaimed work. His voice has echoed in recordings by samba schools throughout Brazil, in commercials, and in collaborations with names such as Beth Carvalho, Osvaldinho da Cuíca, and Demônios da Garoa. His acting work includes appearances in the films "Antônia" and "O Cheiro do Ralo" (2006), and he has also hosted radio programs. Thobias da Vai Vai is one of the founders of Afrobrás and Honorary President of UniPalmares. In 2023, he played Alexandre Dumas in the show "IRON – O Homem da Máscara de Ferro," directed by Ulysses Cruz.

Discography

• Márcia Inayã , Thobias da Vai-Vai – Amor dos Outros (1986)
• Tobias (1989)
• Thobias & A Turma Do Chamachopp (1992)
• Alegria de Sambar (1995)
• Brasil Samba Show, Vol. 1 (1997)
• Brasil Samba Show, Vol. 2 (1998)
• Osvaldinho da Cuíca, Aldo Bueno, Germano Mathias & Thobias da Vai-Vai – História do Samba Paulista I (1999)
• Me Aperta Me Abraça (2002)
• Paulicéia
• Thobias da Vai-Vai - CD Promo (Satélite Painéis)