Vivaldo Jesuíno de Souza

Origin

Salvador, BA

Also known as

Panela

Genres

samba, samba de raiz, marcha-rancho, marcha

Instruments

voice

Biography

Vivaldo Jesuíno de Souza, widely known by his artistic name Panela, was a prominent sambista from Bahia, Brazil, recognized as one of the most important composers of "samba de raiz" (roots samba) in the state. Born in Salvador in 1931, Panela's musical journey began early, earning him his enduring nickname from childhood.

Throughout his life, Panela pursued various professions, including house painter, real estate broker, and vendor at popular festivals, all to support his extended family. Despite his contributions to Brazilian music, he often stated that his artistic career never provided substantial financial security, recalling receiving royalties only twice in his life. His singing career commenced at Rádio Sociedade, where he formed a notable duo with Garrafão. Later, at Rádio Cultura, he participated in talent shows and Pacheco Filho's audience program, alongside other Bahian artists like Osvaldo Fael and Balbino do Rojão.

In 1973, Panela collaborated with Riachão and Batatinha on the classic LP "Samba da Bahia," where he also served as a vocalist for the first and only time. He left behind two sambas of his authorship: "Não suje meu caixão" (with Garrafão) and "O patrão é meu pandeiro" (co-written with Carlos Napoli). Panela also composed the second anthem for Esporte Clube Vitória, "Mostra teu valor," with Albino Castro. He was a celebrated figure in Salvador's carnival, winning 14 competitions with his sambas, marchas-rancho, and marchas. Panela passed away on May 20, 1999, at the age of 55, from a heart attack while performing a tribute show in Salvador for fellow sambista Batatinha. Much of his work remains unpublished, and his story is still not widely known among younger generations.