Xavantinho

Origin

Uberlândia, MG

Also known as

Ranulfo Ramiro da Silva

Years active

1958–1999

Genres

sertanejo, música caipira, mpb

Instruments

violão, voz

Biography

Ranulfo Ramiro da Silva, better known as Xavantinho, was born in Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, on December 26, 1942. He formed the iconic sertanejo duo Pena Branca & Xavantinho alongside his brother, José Ramiro Sobrinho (Pena Branca). They grew up in the rural area of Uberlândia, where from an early age they helped their parents with farm work and developed a deep appreciation for music and popular traditions. The duo's musical journey began in 1958, with performances on local radio stations, going through various line-ups and artistic names until they consolidated as Pena Branca & Xavantinho in the 1970s.

Xavantinho, who played acoustic guitar, and his brother Pena Branca, who mastered the 12-string guitar, conquered Brazil with an authentic musical style that blended traditional roots caipira music with elements of MPB. Their hit "O Cio da Terra", in partnership with Milton Nascimento, was a milestone in their careers, projecting them nationally. Throughout their journey, the duo recorded with renowned artists such as Rolando Boldrin, Fagner and Almir Sater, always maintaining fidelity to their origins and the themes of rural daily life, longing, and nature.

Xavantinho's career was cut short prematurely on October 8, 1999, when he passed away at the age of 56, victim of a pulmonary embolism. Pena Branca continued his solo career, honoring the legacy of his brother and the duo. Xavantinho's work, along with that of his brother, remains an important record of sertanejo music and Brazilian popular culture, influencing new generations of artists.