In 20 years of samba, Marquinhos Negritude is the most awarded in the history of the Manaus carnival

Carnival

Composer has already won 10 titles and has had a great impact on the culture of Amazonas

Manaus (AM) – Singer and composer Marcos Antônio da Silva, known artistically as Marquinhos Negritude, stands out for his music and his contribution to the culture of Amazonian carnival. Completing 20 years of samba in 2024, the artist has already had his compositions awarded first place 10 times at the Manaus Carnival.

Marquinhos was born in Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, and moved to Manaus in 1980, where he grew up and began writing his poetry and songs. As a student of the Artistic Education course at the State University of Amazonas, he immersed himself in the world of arts, participated in the University Choir under the baton of Maestro Nivaldo Santiago and attended the Music Conservatory. He composed his first song in partnership with his friend Ruy Fernando in 1986 at Largo de São Sebastião, sitting on the sidewalk of the monument in front of the Teatro Amazonas.

For the artist, the work he does comes from a deep-rooted love for samba culture. “The act of dedicating oneself to the composition of plot samba is unique, it is special, it denotes love for writing, for research, for music”, stated Marcos, who highlights the meaning of samba for the community. “We see samba as a means of educating, a popular, pedagogical educator, one that leaves a message, you know? A phrase, a word, will be sung massively by the carnival community in general,” he explained.

Marquinhos Negritude has been part of the Amazonian music scene for over 20 years, and constantly performs free of charge for the Manaus public, in cultural spaces such as Teatro Amazonas and Largo de São Sebastião. His most recent show, entitled “Manaus Meu Amor: Um Spectáculo de Amor e Valorização da Cidade”, brought to the theater a repertoire of 12 original songs that exalt the beauty and history of the city, which he chose to call his own.

“Looking back, it is gratifying to see that I have made my contribution to the culture of my city, my state, and to Carnival, which is an unconditional passion. I hope that my story serves as an inspiration for new people and new composers, for new artists”,

declared.

In numbers

He participated in several festivals, such as the Itacoatiara Song Festival (Fecani), the Sesc Song Festival, in the latter he was awarded first and third place in 1990 and third place in 1991. At Carnival he was the carnival champion 10 times of Manaus as a composer alongside the other partners, in the years 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2023, in addition to having received the people’s banner for the best samba of Carnival on four occasions, 2008, 2016, 2017 and 2020.

*With information from consultancy

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