Person
Mestre Canjiquinha
Washington Bruno da Silva
25 September 1925 – 8 November 1994
Born in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
Died in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
7
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- Life
- Lineage (training, titles granted)
- decade or uncertain
Dated moments of this life, from the corpus.3 undated moments are listed under Relations
- 192525 September 1925Born · Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
- 1935Began training with Aberrê · at 10 · evidence
- 1940sBegan training with Zeca do Uruguai · evidence
- 1950Began training with Pastinha · at 25 · evidence
- 1957Title granted to Paulo dos Anjos · at 32 · evidence
- 1980Title granted to Cigana · at 55 · evidence
- 19948 November 1994Died · at 69
16
3 teachers
Mestre Mestre Zeca do Uruguai
1900s – ?Mestre Pastinha
1889 – 19815 April 1889 – 13 November 1981
MestreCanjiquinha
→13 students
Mestre Ananias
1924 – 20164 October 1924 – 21 July 2016Mestre Paulo dos Anjos
1936 – 199915 August 1936 – 26 March 1999Mestre Baiano
1945 –Mestre Geni
1947 –Mestre Suassuna
1938 –Mestre Brasília
1942 –Mestre Lua Rasta
1950 –Mestre Zeca
1956 – 202416 April 1956 – 25 March 2024Mestra Cigana
1956 –Mestre Laércio
1966 –Mestre Alfredo
1920s –Mestre Sapo
1948 – 198221 April 1948 – 30 May 1982Mestre Pintor
1950s –
Washington Bruno da Silva was born on September 25, 1925, in Salvador, son of tailor José Bruno da Silva and washerwoman Amália Maria da Conceição. He grew up to become one of the most influential capoeiristas of the 20th century, known throughout Brazil as "A Alegria da Capoeira" - the Joy of Capoeira.
In 1935, at just 10 years old, Washington began learning capoeira from Mestre Raimundo Aberrê at Baixa do Tubo in Matatu Pequeno. For seven years (1935-1942), he absorbed the art from one of the great pre-codification mestres. The boy who came to Aberrê knew only one samba - "Canjiquinha Quente" by Roberto Martin (1937) - and it was all he could sing. His friends gave him the nickname that would follow him forever.
Son of a washerwoman, Canjiquinha worked as a shoemaker, food delivery person, and typist. He was also a goalkeeper for Ypiranga Esporte Clube and sang boleros in Salvador's nightlife. In 1942, the same year Aberrê died of a heart attack in a roda, Canjiquinha began working at City Hall as a loader, later becoming a mimeograph operator.
By 1950, Canjiquinha had become a contra-mestre under Mestre Pastinha. In 1951, he played goalkeeper for Ipiranga. In 1954, he began teaching capoeira formally, and in 1955 married Ivone. His daughter Juciara was born in 1965.
On May 22, 1952, Canjiquinha officially registered his group: Associação de Capoeira Canjiquinha e seus Amigos. It would become one of Salvador's main training centers for new capoeiristas, producing mestres who spread the art worldwide.
In 1959, Canjiquinha traveled to Rio de Janeiro and Porto Alegre with Pastinha's group. The following year, American researcher Janice Marie Smith recorded him - one of the earliest audio documentations of his voice and music.
In 1962, Canjiquinha's image reached international audiences through two landmark films: "O Pagador de Promessas" (The Given Word) by Anselmo Duarte - which won the Palme d'Or at Cannes - and "Barravento" by Glauber Rocha. He appeared in more films over the years: "Operação Tumulto", "Capitães de Areia", "Senhor dos Navegantes", and "A Moça Daquela Hora".
From the 1960s, when capoeira became better known in Brazil, Canjiquinha's academy became a primary training center. In 1963, he taught at the Naval Base. In 1970, he participated in the "Berimbau de Ouro" event. In 1981, the Federação Paulista de Capoeira, with support from Mestre Brasília, created the Troféu Mestre Canjiquinha to honor him.
In September 1986, Canjiquinha recorded a landmark LP with Mestre Waldemar at Boca do Rio studio in Salvador. The liner notes, written by Mestre Itapoan, describe Waldemar as the greatest singer of the rodas da Bahia and Canjiquinha as representing "the mischievous and mocking way of making capoeira a serious instrument". The album featured 34 tracks with a chorus including Mestres Itapoan, Suassuna, Ezequiel, and Geni.
In 1988, Canjiquinha wrote his book "A Alegria da Capoeira", published in 1989. That same year, he founded the Academia de Canjiquinha e Seus Amigos in the Colina do Mar neighborhood - his final academy.
Throughout his life, Canjiquinha innovated. He is credited with creating the toques Muzenza, Samango, Samba de Angola, and Banguela de Angola. Mestre Geni confirmed these as Canjiquinha's creations. He claimed to be the first to integrate maculelê into capoeira demonstrations. His unique berimbau technique - holding the instrument at chest height, playing left-handed - became his signature.
On November 8, 1994, Mestre Canjiquinha died in Salvador. Despite his cultural significance, he died in poverty - a fate shared by many great mestres of his generation.
He left behind a vision: "Capoeira has no creed, no color, no flag - it belongs to the people, it will travel the world". Through his students - Paulo dos Anjos, Geni, Lua Rasta, Mestre Brasília, Antonio Diabo, Manoel Pé de Bode, and many others - that vision became reality.
29
21
Granted titles to4
Canjiquinha granted the title of Mestre to Paulo dos Anjos1957
Consecrated as mestre by Canjiquinha upon graduation in 1957
Canjiquinha granted the title of Mestra to Cigana1980
Widely reported as the title grant that made her the first woman recognized as a capoeira mestra in Brazil.
Canjiquinha granted the title of Mestre to Madeira
Sources state Madeira "received the honors of a master by João Pequeno, Canjiquinha, and Suassuna". Canjiquinha died Nov 8, 1994, so title was received before then.
Canjiquinha granted the title of Mestre to Suassuna
Canjiquinha recognized Suassuna's work and awarded him the title of mestre. Exact date unknown.
Baptized1
Canjiquinha led the baptism of Limão
Received apelido "Limão" from Mestre Canjiquinha because he sold lemons (limões) at the market
Verified[5]- [5]Mestre Limão, capoeiragita.webnode.com.br, article dated 22/06/2017(accessed 2 November 2026)
Recebeu este apelido do Mestre Canjiquinha, devido ao fato de vender limão na feira.
- [5]Mestre Limão, capoeiragita.webnode.com.br, article dated 22/06/2017(accessed 2 November 2026)
Student of1
Canjiquinha student of Aberrê1935 – September 1942
Canjiquinha began training under Aberrê at age 10 in 1935 at Baixa do Tubo, Matatu Pequeno. Training ended with Aberrê's death in September 1942.
Verified[6]- [6]Washington Bruno da Silva - M Canjiquinha, 99!, velhosmestres.com, ABC of M Canjiquinha timeline, 1935-1942(accessed 2 November 2026)
Learned with M Raimundo Aberrê in Matatu Pequeno, in Baixa de Tubo, Brotas.
- [6]Washington Bruno da Silva - M Canjiquinha, 99!, velhosmestres.com, ABC of M Canjiquinha timeline, 1935-1942(accessed 2 November 2026)
Guided the training of5
Canjiquinha guided the training of Ananias1942 – 1946
Trained with Canjiquinha in Pastinha's space in Liberdade. Played in Pastinha's bateria during street rodas alongside Gato Preto. Ananias said he "got his diploma" from Canjiquinha, though "at that time, there wasn't this business of diplomas".
Verified[7]- [7]Velhos Mestres – featured (Mestre Ananias timeline), velhosmestres.com(accessed 2 November 2026)
Moved to Liberdade and until 1946 trained with M Canjiquinha in M Pastinha's place
- [7]Velhos Mestres – featured (Mestre Ananias timeline), velhosmestres.com(accessed 2 November 2026)
Canjiquinha guided the training of Suassuna1950s – 8 November 1994
Suassuna visited Canjiquinha's terreiro in Salvador during trips from Itabuna. Canjiquinha influenced his entire artistic career and later recognized him as mestre.
Canjiquinha guided the training of Zeca1960s – 8 November 1994
Growing up in Salvador's Angola academies, Zeca trained alongside legendary masters including Mestre Canjiquinha. This was part of his childhood apprenticeship under his father's guidance.
Canjiquinha guided the training of Laércio1984 – 1986
GCFA group spent 2 years training with Canjiquinha. Part of their immersion in Bahian Angola traditions.
Canjiquinha guided the training of Pintor
As a teenager, Pintor traveled to Bahia and trained under Canjiquinha among other mestres. Canjiquinha was known as "The Joy of Capoeira".
Trained under2
Canjiquinha trained under Zeca do Uruguai1940s – 8 November 1994
Canjiquinha learned berimbau from Zeca do Uruguai. He recalled: "He showed me how to play, taught me rhythms and lots of songs... that the berimbau reigns the capoeira roda". This was berimbau instruction specifically, not primary capoeira training (which was under Aberrê).
Canjiquinha trained under Pastinha1950 – 13 November 1981
By 1950, Canjiquinha had become a contra-mestre under Mestre Pastinha. He participated in rodas at Pastinha's academy and traveled with his group to Rio de Janeiro and Porto Alegre in 1959.
Teacher of8
Canjiquinha teacher of Paulo dos Anjos1950 – 1957
Primary teacher; began 1950, graduated 1957; consecrated as mestre by Canjiquinha
Canjiquinha teacher of Baiano1955 – 1962
Primary teacher relationship. Baiano began training under Canjiquinha at age 10 in Salvador. Seven-year apprenticeship shaped his entire approach to capoeira.
Canjiquinha teacher of Genic. 1958 – 8 November 1994
Primary teacher. Canjiquinha eventually told Geni: "I have taught you as much as you can learn in here. You now have to go to the street rodas and experience capoeira."
Canjiquinha teacher of Brasília1961 – 8 November 1994
Brasília began training under Canjiquinha at age 19 in 1961 after being captivated by a festival performance. Trained for 6 years performing throughout Bahia before moving to São Paulo in 1965. Canjiquinha was the primary and formative influence on his capoeira.
Canjiquinha teacher of Lua Rasta1969 – 8 November 1994
Primary mentor. Joined Canjiquinha's academy and folkloric group Aberrê in 1969. Developed capoeira as theatrical language under his guidance.
Verified[12]- [12]Mestre Lua Rasta – Last.fm biography, Last.fm(accessed 2 November 2026)
In 1969, he moved to the Academy of Mestre Canjiquinha, joining the folkloristic group Aberre.
- [12]Mestre Lua Rasta – Last.fm biography, Last.fm(accessed 2 November 2026)
Canjiquinha teacher of Cigana1975 – 1980
Consistently documented across the Wikipedia/search-synthesis biography, the 2011 first-person interview, and the 2023 Conexões/UNICAMP academic study.
Canjiquinha teacher of Alfredo
CapoeiraHub lineage shows: Roberval → Alfredo → Canjiquinha → Aberrê → Pastinha. IPHAN portal confirms Alfredo was disciple of Canjiquinha.
Canjiquinha teacher of Sapo
Sapo was a member of the Quarteto Aberrê led by Canjiquinha. The group was named in honour of Canjiquinha's teacher, Raimundo Aberrê. Chain: Aberrê → Canjiquinha → Sapo.
8
Associated with8
Canjiquinha was associated with Roque1940s – 1956
As a child, Roque socialized with Canjiquinha at Mercado Modelo in Salvador through his father Chico Preto's connections as a fish vendor. Canjiquinha was already an established figure in the Salvador capoeira scene.
Canjiquinha was associated with Nô1963 –
Mestre Canjiquinha was one of the renowned mestres present at Nô's consecration at the Ribeira festa around 1963, where Nô demonstrated his worth.
Canjiquinha was associated with Bom Cabrito1969 –
Both participated in the 1969 Seminário de Capoeira at Campos dos Afonsos, Rio de Janeiro. They were also together at the 1984 Circo Voador event as part of the seven traditional Bahian Old Masters.
Canjiquinha was associated with Gato Preto1970 –
Both competed in the 1970 Berimbau de Ouro competition in Salvador. Both were renowned berimbau masters of their generation, representing different lineages of the Angola tradition.
Canjiquinha was associated with Waldemar16 September 1986 –
Canjiquinha and Waldemar recorded a 34-track LP on September 16, 1986 at Boca do Rio studio in Salvador. Liner notes by Mestre Itapoan described them as "heirs of the roots" from masters Siri de Mangue and Aberrê. Chorus included Mestres Itapoan, Suassuna, Ezequiel, and Geni.
Canjiquinha was associated with Bobô
Both listed among eight surviving "great master-angoleiros" in the 1988 Tribuna da Bahia article: Canjiquinha, Paulo dos Anjos, Curió, Virgílio da Fazenda Grande, Bobó, Bom Cabrito, João Grande, João Pequeno.
Canjiquinha was associated with Caiçara
Both Caiçara and Canjiquinha claimed Aberrê as their teacher, though possibly different individuals (the "Two Aberrês" theory). Both denied connection to Pastinha's lineage. Photographed together at capoeira events.
Canjiquinha was associated with Pelé da Bomba
Pelé da Bomba performed with Mestre Canjiquinha's group at the Belvedere da Praça da Sé, doing tourist shows featuring capoeira, maculelê, puxada de rede (net pulling), and samba de roda.
2
Visited: Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
1959 –
Visited: Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
September 1986 –
- 29
- statements
- 21
- · 72%
- with a source
- 8
- without a source
- 0
- disputed
Relations by confidence
- Verified: 24
- Likely: 5
Sources cited
- [1]Velhos Mestres – Mestre Paulo dos Anjos (destaques) ×2cited 2 times
- [2]capoeira-connection.com: interview with mestra cigana ×2cited 2 times
- [3]pt.wikipedia.org: mestra cigana ×2cited 2 times
- [4]siridemangue.com: grupo siri de mangue ×1cited 1 time
- [5]Mestre Limão, capoeiragita.webnode.com.br ×1cited 1 time
- [6]Washington Bruno da Silva - M Canjiquinha, 99!, velhosmestres.com ×1cited 1 time
- [7]Velhos Mestres – featured (Mestre Ananias timeline), velhosmestres.com ×1cited 1 time
- [8]https://capoeirawiki.org/wiki/Mestre_Zeca ×1cited 1 time
- [9]filhosdeangola.eu: biografie ×1cited 1 time
- [10]taylorsbantus.wordpress.com: mestre pintor ×1cited 1 time
- [11]Velhos Mestres - Featured 39 ×1cited 1 time
- [12]Mestre Lua Rasta – Last.fm biography, Last.fm ×1cited 1 time
- [13]periodicos.sbu.unicamp.br: 8674321 ×1cited 1 time
- [14]capoeira.iphan.gov.br: 5170 ×1cited 1 time
- [15]capoeirahub.net: 691f68fce44abad5a573a024 mestre roberval ×1cited 1 time
- [16]cev.org.br: tributo ao mestre sapo ×1cited 1 time
- [17]Mestre Roque (1938), Capoeira History ×1cited 1 time
- [18]capoeirapalmares.co.uk: mestre no ×1cited 1 time
- [19]velhosmestres.com: featured 72 ×1cited 1 time
- [20]velhosmestres.com: gato 1984 ×1cited 1 time
- [21]velhosmestres.com: waldemar 1986 ×1cited 1 time
- [22]velhosmestres.com: featured 22 ×1cited 1 time
- [23]velhosmestres.com: destaques 27 ×1cited 1 time