Born in Botafogo, a traditional neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro’s South Zone, Paulinho da Viola – now in his eighties – is one of the greatest exponents of samba and a true heir to legends like Cartola, Candeia, and Nelson Cavaquinho. Music has always been part of his life. His father, César Faria, a guitarist in the renowned group Época de Ouro, introduced him early on to icons such as Pixinguinha, Jacob do Bandolim, and other masters who would gather to play choro and sing sambas and waltzes from various eras. A living link between popular traditions, classical guitar compositions, and avant-garde pieces, Paulinho demonstrates an extraordinary ability to renew himself while staying true to his artistic principles and aesthetic values.