Zé Katimba

Origin

Guarabira, PB

Also known as

Zé Catimba

Years Active

1959

Genres

samba, samba-enredo, partido-alto

Instruments

violão, voz

Biography

José Inácio dos Santos, artistically known as Zé Katimba, was born in Guarabira, Paraíba, in November 1932. The son of farmers and grandson of a cordel poet, he migrated with his family to Rio de Janeiro during his childhood, settling in the neighborhood of Bonsucesso, where he earned his nickname on amateur soccer fields. In the 1950s, he actively participated in the founding of the Imperatriz Leopoldinense samba school, becoming one of its greatest pillars and a prominent composer over several decades.

His songwriting production for Carnival marked the history of Rio's parades, with memorable samba-enredos like "Martim Cererê" from 1972, which achieved enormous commercial success and soundtracked the television dramas of the era. Beyond the parades, Zé Katimba consolidated a solid trajectory in traditional samba, composing alongside great names such as Martinho da Vila, João Nogueira, and Alceu Maia, and having his works recorded by renowned interpreters of Brazilian popular music like Zeca Pagodinho, Alcione, and Elza Soares.

Throughout his career, he received various decorations and tributes in recognition of his cultural contribution, including the Pedro Ernesto Merit Medal and the Cidadão Samba title. In 2015, he released his first solo album, titled Minha raiz, minha história, consolidating his legacy. The importance of his work was crowned in the 2024 Carnival, when the São Clemente samba school honored him at the Marquês de Sapucaí with a storyline that celebrated his artistic trajectory.

Discography

• Minha Raiz, Minha História (2015)