Nelson Sargento

Nelson Sargento, OMC—born Nelson Mattos in Rio de Janeiro on July 25, 1924, and passing in the same city on May 27, 2021—was a multifaceted Brazilian artist whose talents spanned composition, singing, research into Brazilian popular music, visual arts, acting, and writing. A celebrated figure in samba, he was a longtime member of the Mangueira samba school, where his contributions as a composer and cultural guardian earned him lasting acclaim. Among his notable works is the classic samba "Agoniza, mas não morre," co-written with Alcebíades Barcelos (Bide), a piece that became an anthem of samba's resilience. He also released several albums, including "Sonho de um Sambista" and "Nelson Sargento," and authored books such as "Prisioneiro do Mundo" and a memoir, "Nelson Sargento: A vida de um sambista." His achievements include receiving the Ordem do Mérito Cultural (OMC), a high Brazilian honor for cultural contributions, and being celebrated as one of the great chroniclers of samba's history. Through his research and storytelling, he helped preserve the legacy of Mangueira and Brazilian popular music for future generations, remaining an influential voice until his death at 96.