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Monarco was a Brazilian samba composer and singer, closely associated with the Portela samba school in Rio de Janeiro. Born on August 17, 1933, in Rio de Janeiro, he grew up in Cavalcanti and Oswaldo Cruz. In 1950, he joined Portela’s composers' wing under the mentorship of Alcides Malandro Histórico and Paulo da Portela, becoming a key figure in the Velha Guarda da Portela, where he helped preserve traditional forms of samba. His notable compositions include “O Quitandeiro” and “Vai Vadiar,” which have been interpreted by artists such as Paulinho da Viola, Zeca Pagodinho, and Marisa Monte. Monarco released several solo albums and participated in significant projects documenting samba’s history, including the film O Mistério do Samba. In 2013, he was named honorary president of Portela, recognizing his lifelong contributions to Brazilian music and cultural memory. He passed away on December 11, 2021, in Rio de Janeiro.

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