CapoeiraHistory joins in the tributes paid to Mestre Mintinha, who left us on the 7th of August 2022. His legacy and the memory of his love for capoeira remain.
Obituary
With great sadness I bring to the attention of “Universal Capoeira l” that one of the greatest bastions of capoeira, Mestre Luiz Américo da Silva, Mestre Mintirinha, has just passed away. He leaves his name written in letters studded with brilliance, his name will never be erased from the history of capoeira in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and the world.
Creator of the Barravento style of capoeira and its traditional toque, his mark is registered as one of the most agile capoeiras in the world. From his Mestre Paraná he inherited the magic and art of the Berimbau rhythms. He left behind countless songs that, for sure, will leave him immortalised in the capoeira rodas of our earthly realm and also in the celestial ones, together with Sinhozinho, Paraná, Aberrrê, Chico Porreta, Artur Emídio, Genaro, Dentinho and many others of equal value.
He was the first to have the courage to put the atabaque in his capoeira rodas in Rio de Janeiro, breaking racial and religious prejudices. My only Mestre and my blood brother, may God be with you.
Mestre Paulão Muzenza
The boy Paulo Sérgio, together with his parents, already admired the skill of his first and only master, Luiz Américo. On the floor, the shadow of the berimbau, which would become the mark of Mestre Mintirinha’s musicality. Photo: Paulão Muzenza collection.
Listen here to the ladainha (litany) that M. Mintirinha composed speaking of his passing and how he would like to be celebrated:
The boys Luiz Américo and Paulo Sérgio, in the 1970s, before they became the masters Mintirinha and Paulão Muzenza. Photo: Paulão Muzenza collection.
On 08/08/22 capoeiragem said goodbye to Mestre Mintirinha, at the cemetery in Inhaúma, Rio de Janeiro, singing “Boa Viagem”.
More tributes to Mestre Mintirinha:
Capoeira is losing with the death of the master, there will be a void in the world of ginga mainly in Rio de Janeiro. The greatest capoerista of Rio de Janeiro, the most complete musician, composer, percussionist and master of capoeira arts dies. I had the opportunity to interact a little with him on trips and shows, where I learned a lot from him. Go with God comrade, colleague and friend. My condolences to his family, students and friends. Hail Mestre Mintirinha!”
Mestre Edvaldo Baiano, via WhatsApp
Yesterday capoeira lost one of its guardians, Luís Américo da Silva (Mestre Mintirinha), a student of Mestre Paraná In 1990 I had the honour of having him as godfather at my graduation and to have some of his lineage in my capoeira family, also to participate in the recording of his record O Pulo do Gato. I consider myself a lucky capoeirista, in 1986 I had the good fortune to meet him personally! May God comfort the hearts of his family and disciples. Now heaven will have the happiness of knowing the joy and energy that the master always transmitted in the capoeira rodas. Rest in peace, noble master. We will try to keep your legacy on earth and show the capoeiristas how important your person was to us, thank you!”
Pixote, on the WhatsApp group
He was a true master of masters. His history was marked in the art of capoeiragem carioca. He started in capoeira in 1956 and his emblematic trajectory will go down in history forever. Creator of the Barravento style, he was an excellent berimbau player. He will be missed ….. Mestre Mintirinha will be forever in our memories…”
@mestre.victor.pepe, on Instagram
” I am the wind, I pass where you do not pass and when I pass you do not remain” The Capoeiragem of Rio de Janeiro loses one more of its true architects. Thanks for your teachings, Mestre Mintirinha.”
@Alcino_capoeira, on Instragram
