He is most associated with the samba school Vila Isabel, and his own compositions (sambas de enredo) have been annually inaugurated by Vila Isabel in Rio de Janeiro's Carnaval competition for decades. His signature song, "Casa de Bamba," which dates back to the 1970s, is one of Brazilians' most beloved sambas. At age 74, he is still doing concerts and his lyrics continue to rally the spirits of audiences throughout Brazil. His 1995 CD "Ta Delicia Ta Gostoso" sold more than a million copies. His music shows influence from the region where he was born, such as the calango rhythm.
Martinho is politically active and a prominent figure and spokesperson for Afro-Brazilian issues as well as for the Brazilian Communist Party. He is the author of six books, and has been a recording artist since 1969.
Renascer das cinzas
Martinho Da Vila Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Plantar de novo o arvoredo
Bom calor nas mãos unidas
Na cabeça de um grande enredo
Ala de compositores
Mandando o samba no terreiro
Cabrocha sambando
Cuíca roncando
No meio da quadra
Pela madrugada
Um senhor partideiro
Sambar na avenida
De azul e branco
É o nosso papel
Mostrando pro povo
Que o berço do samba
É em Vila Isabel
Tão bonita a nossa escola!
E é tão bom cantarolar
La, la, iá, iá, iá, iá, ra iá
La, ra, iá
The song "Renascer das Cinzas" by Martinho da Vila is a tribute to the Vila Isabel samba school. The lyrics invoke a sense of rebirth and renewal - the idea of rising from the ashes - which mirrors the school's own history of triumph over adversity. The opening lines "Vamos renascer das cinzas/ Plantar de novo o arvoredo" can be interpreted as a call to action, urging the school and its members to rise up and rebuild after hardship. The imagery of planting new trees symbolizes growth, hope, and a fresh start.
The song goes on to describe the scene at the samba school, where a group of composers are gathered together, making music and celebrating their culture. The passage "Ala de compositores/ Mandando o samba no terreiro" highlights the importance of music-making within the community. The references to various percussion and stringed instruments, such as the cuíca, viola, and pandeiro, evoke the rich, layered sound of traditional samba music.
Line by Line Meaning
Vamos renascer das cinzas
We will rise from the ashes and start anew.
Plantar de novo o arvoredo
We will replant the forest and bring back life.
Bom calor nas mãos unidas
The warmth of our hands is comforting and unifying.
Na cabeça de um grande enredo
With a great story in mind, we will achieve our goals.
Ala de compositores
A group of songwriters.
Mandando o samba no terreiro
Playing samba in the courtyard and spreading joy.
Cabrocha sambando
A woman dancing samba with grace and joy.
Cuíca roncando
The cuica (a Brazilian percussion instrument) making a resonating sound.
Viola e pandeiro
The guitar and pandeiro (a type of Brazilian hand drum) playing together.
No meio da quadra
In the middle of the court where everyone can see and join in.
Pela madrugada
During the early morning hours.
Um senhor partideiro
An experienced samba musician leading the group and inspiring everyone.
Sambar na avenida
Dancing samba on the avenue during Carnival time.
De azul e branco
Wearing blue and white (Vila Isabel's colors).
É o nosso papel
It is our role and responsibility.
Mostrando pro povo
Showing the people.
Que o berço do samba
That the birthplace of samba.
É em Vila Isabel
Is in Vila Isabel (a neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro known for samba).
Tão bonita a nossa escola!
Our school is so beautiful!
E é tão bom cantarolar
And it feels so good to hum along.
La, la, iá, iá, iá, iá, ra iá
A joyful and uplifting refrain.
La, ra, iá
Another joyful and uplifting refrain.
Contributed by Nathaniel T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.