Velha Guarda do Salgueiro

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Also known as

Velha-Guarda Acadêmicos do Salgueiro, Velha-Guarda Show do Salgueiro

Years Active

1980

Genres

samba

Instruments

percussion, vocals

Biography

The Velha Guarda do Salgueiro is a traditional Brazilian samba musical group created in 1980 by Jorge Cardoso, Bombeiro, and sisters Mocinha and Caboclinha, who were daughters of Birolha. The group brought together the oldest and most historical members of the renowned Acadêmicos do Salgueiro samba school. Early formations also featured figures such as Tia Zezé, Tia Neném, Geraldo, and Zedi, helping to preserve the authentic roots of community samba in Rio de Janeiro.

After touring various Brazilian cities until 1990, the group experienced a decade of inactivity before returning with a revitalized lineup including João da Valsa, Cláudio Sargento, Flávio Oliveira, Curumim, and Ieda Maranhão. Their self-titled CD, recorded live at Sala Baden Powell and released by Lua Discos, featured timeless compositions by historical Salgueiro writers like Nei Lopes, Geraldo Babão, and Antenor Gargalhada. This celebrated album earned them a Latin Grammy nomination in 2004 for Best Brazilian Samba/Pagode Album.

In 2010, the ensemble celebrated their 30th anniversary with a landmark DVD recorded at the Salgueiro quadra, featuring special guests such as Dudu Nobre, Margareth Menezes, and Marcel Powell. Their ongoing commitment to traditional samba keeps the legacy of the school alive alongside contemporary artists. Through their decades of performances and recordings, they remain a vital pillar of Brazilian cultural heritage.