The information was confirmed by the Escola de Samba Acadêmicos do Salgueiro; the artist made history with storylines like 1993’s ‘Peguei um Ita no Norte’ and 2009’s victorious ‘Tambor’
The Rio de Janeiro musician and interpreter Melquisedeque Marins Marques, known as “Quinho do Salgueiro”, died this Wednesday, 3 years old, at the age of 66. The information was published by Salgueiro Academics School of Sambaof which the artist was part.
“Quinho didn’t just sing for Salgueiro, he lived and breathed every note, every beat of the beating heart of the drums. He personified the spirit of Salgueiro”, reads the official profile of the institution on X, formerly Twitter.
Today Salgueiro is crying! With deep emotion and a lump in our throat, we said a painful farewell to Melquisedeque Marins Marques, our Quinho do Salgueiro, a giant whose bond with GRES Acadêmicos do Salgueiro transcended the limits of music and carnival. pic.twitter.com/N8qZP4EPGg
— Academics of Salgueiro (@Salgueiroficial) January 4, 2024
The cause of death was not immediately revealed, however the interpreter was being treated for urethral cancer.
The samba singer made Rio Carnival history with famous storylines such as Profane feast, in 1989, together with the Escola de Samba União da Ilha do Governador, and also with I took an ITA to the North, in 1993, already with Salgueiro, and the victorious Drum, 2009, also with Salgueiro.
A great leader of the avenue, Quinho began his career in the Boi da Freguesia neighborhood, passed through União da Ilha, São Clemente, Rosas de Ouro, Grande Rio and immortalized himself as the voice of Salgueiro.
Quinho championed several carnival war cries, including his trademarks: It gives you goosebumps, Willow!, Oh that’s great, Boom, boom AND The gongá will catch fire.
On social media, carnival fans mourned his death and shared several moments of the artist on the boulevard.
Quinho’s voice was responsible for the interpretation of the greatest shock of the Marquês de Sapucaí: the samba plot of “Peguei um ita no Norte” from the 1993 Salgueiro parade.
Rest in peace, Quinho. pic.twitter.com/yEhIKiQpKx
— Barracão do Samba (@barrracao) January 4, 2024
Quinho will always be eternal in our hearts!pic.twitter.com/jzrVhkWw8g
— Sambas Enredo (@DeEnredos) January 4, 2024
Source: Terra

Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.