Almir Guineto

A true representative of the early pagode (backyard samba parties in low-income areas of Rio), Almir Guineto was director of the samba school Salgueiro, founding member of the group Fundo de Quintal and a member of the group Originais do Samba for 10 years before going after a solo career.

Guineto was born on Salgueiro Hill into a family of musicians. His career took a U-turn when he was first in a music festival in 1981 with the song "Mordomia." Guineto is credited with having introduced the banjo into the pagode. —Courtesy Calabash Music