Volta Seca

Origin

Saco Torto, SE

Genres

cangaço music, regional music, folklore

Instruments

vocals

Biography

Antônio dos Santos, widely known as Volta Seca, was a prominent figure in Brazilian history and culture as both a notorious cangaceiro and a recording artist of traditional cangaço music. Born in Sergipe, he joined Lampião's bandit group at the remarkably young age of eleven, eventually becoming one of its most feared members while also composing verses and songs that the entire band would sing. His musical legacy was solidified later in life when he recorded the influential 1957 album "As cantigas de Lampeão," preserving historical cangaço anthems for future generations.

Following years of imprisonment and his eventual release by presidential pardon in 1952, Volta Seca transitioned into civilian life while maintaining his connection to the cultural traditions of Brazil's Northeast. His life intersected with significant cultural figures of the era, including working with maestro Guio de Morais on his musical recordings and providing historical testimonies for landmark cinematic works like Lima Barreto's film "O Cangaceiro". Through his music and firsthand accounts, he became an essential living archive of the cangaço era, sharing thematic territory with other cultural icons of Brazilian folklore and regional music such as Luiz Gonzaga.