Sinho

José Barbosa da Silva (performing as Sinhô; 1888–1930) was a Brazilian sambista, composer, and instrumentalist from Rio de Janeiro. Stimulated by his father to study music, Silva played piano and guitar. By 1911, he performed professionally with groups including Dragão Club Universal. In 1917, Silva was involved in the authorship controversy regarding the samba “Pelo Telefone”. In response, he composed “Quem São Eles” (1918). His satirical works, such as “Fala Baixo” (1921), led to a brief period of hiding to avoid arrest. In 1927, he received the title “Rei do Samba” at the Teatro República. Silva taught guitar to Mário Reis, who recorded the hits “Jura” and “Gosto Que Me Enrosco” (1928). Silva died of hemoptysis on August 4, 1930, while traveling by barge to Rio de Janeiro. His career was the subject of the film O Rei do Samba (1952).