Xangô da Mangueira

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Also known as

Mangueira

Years Active

1940–2009

Genres

samba

Instruments

vocals

Biography

Xangô da Mangueira, born Olivério Ferreira in Rio de Janeiro, was a renowned Brazilian samba singer, composer, and director of harmony. He began his journey in samba with the União de Rocha Miranda school before moving to Portela, where he became a disciple of the legendary Paulo da Portela. Following changes in Portela during the 1940s, he sought permission from his mentor to join Estação Primeira de Mangueira, a green-and-pink institution that would define the rest of his artistic life.

Throughout his decades-long dedication to Mangueira, he served as the school's harmony director and was its official samba interpreter until 1951, eventually preceding the iconic Jamelão. In the 1970s, he expanded his legacy by recording four LPs with the Tapecar label and touring extensively across Brazil and internationally. As a talented songwriter, his compositions were recorded by prominent MPB and samba artists such as Clara Nunes and Roberto Ribeiro.

He passed away at the age of 85 in Rio de Janeiro due to cardiac complications, leaving behind a lasting imprint on traditional carioca samba. His contributions helped cement the artistic prestige of the Mangueira community alongside other greats of the genre. His enduring style continues to influence contemporary students of traditional samba and carnival culture.

Discography

• O Rei Do Partido Alto (1972)
• Velho Batuqueiro (1975)
• Chão da Mangueira (1976)
• Xangô da Mangueira Vol. 3 (1978)