Zuzuca do Salgueiro

Origin

Cachoeiro de Itapemirim, ES

Also known as

Zuzuca, Adil de Paula

Years Active

1960–2025

Genres

samba, samba-enredo, partido-alto

Instruments

acoustic guitar

Biography

Zuzuca do Salgueiro, stage name of Adil de Paula, was born in Cachoeiro de Itapemirim, in Espírito Santo, in 1936, and moved to Rio de Janeiro at a young age. In the capital of Rio de Janeiro, he integrated into the samba circles of Tijuca and Morro do Salgueiro, becoming a fundamental figure in the history of the Acadêmicos do Salgueiro samba school and in the commercial consolidation of samba-enredo in the country. Throughout his career, he collaborated with important pillars of Brazilian music, such as Jair Rodrigues, Elizeth Cardoso, and Candeia.

The composer achieved great national notoriety in 1964 with the anthological samba-enredo "Chico-Rei". However, his definitive consecration occurred in 1971, when he composed "Festa para um Rei Negro", famous for the chorus "Pega no ganzê, pega no ganzá", which became a massive sales success and marked the recording industry. In addition to his work in samba schools, Zuzuca stood out in the tradition of partido-alto and samba de terreiro, joining groups like Os Cinco Só and participating in fundamental projects for the genre's resistance.

The artist passed away in January 2025, at the age of 88, leaving a lasting legacy in Brazilian popular culture. His solo discography and collective recordings remain testaments to the strength of traditional samba (samba de raiz). He influenced several generations of samba musicians and kept the tradition of samba circles alive until his final years.

Discography

• Reduto de Bambas (2016)