Monarco

Monarco was a Brazilian samba composer and singer closely associated with the Portela samba school in Rio de Janeiro. Raised in Cavalcanti and Oswaldo Cruz in Rio de Janeiro, he joined Portela’s composers' wing in 1950 under the mentorship of Alcides Malandro Histórico and Paulo da Portela and became a key figure in the Velha Guarda da Portela, helping to preserve traditional forms of samba. His compositions, such as “O Quitandeiro” and “Vai Vadiar,” reflect the lyrical and melodic style of classic samba and have been interpreted by artists including Paulinho da Viola, Zeca Pagodinho, and Marisa Monte. Monarco released several solo albums and participated in important projects documenting samba’s history, such as the film O Mistério do Samba. In 2013, he was named honorary president of Portela, recognizing his lifelong contribution to Brazilian music and cultural memory. He is the father of Mauro Diniz and Marcos Diniz and grandfather of Juliana Diniz, [a16251025], and [a16251028].

b.: August 17, 1933 - Rio de Janeiro, RJ - Brazil
d.: December 11, 2021 - Rio de Janeiro, RJ - Brazil