Mestre Ananias, born Ananias Ferreira on October 4, 1924, in São Félix, Bahia, was one of the great pillars of Capoeira Angola and a living embodiment of Afro-Brazilian culture. A master not only of Capoeira, but also of Samba de Roda and Candomblé, Mestre Ananias represented the deep spiritual and artistic synthesis of Brazil’s African heritage.

He began his Capoeira journey as a teenager, training in the rodas of Mestre Juvêncio and later with Mestre Canjiquinha and Mestre Pastinha in Salvador. Between 1946 and 1953, he refined his skills under Mestre Waldemar da Liberdade, serving as contra-mestre de bateria in street rodas alongside other great percussionists like Mestre Gato Preto. These early experiences shaped him into one of the most complete capoeiristas of his generation.

In 1953, Mestre Ananias moved to São Paulo at the invitation of theater producers who recognized his talent for performance and rhythm. There, he collaborated with prominent cultural figures such as Plínio Marcos and Solano Trindade, bridging Capoeira and theater. That same year, he founded the Associação de Capoeira Angola Senhor do Bonfim and established the legendary Roda da Praça da República, which became São Paulo’s oldest and most traditional Capoeira roda — a gathering place for generations of capoeiristas.

Mestre Ananias also left an important musical legacy. He participated in recordings with Mestre Joel in 1979, released the album “Mestre Ananias – Original Ao Vivo” in 2004, and recorded “Samba de Roda” in 2007 with Grupo Garoa do Recôncavo, celebrating the rhythms of Bahia. He was also featured in the 2009 documentary “Cantador de Chula”, which highlighted his artistry as a singer and storyteller.

Through his Casa Mestre Ananias (Centro Paulistano de Capoeira e Tradições Baianas), he preserved and promoted Capoeira, Samba, and other Afro-Brazilian expressions in São Paulo, inspiring countless students and visitors from around the world.

Mestre Ananias passed away on July 21, 2016, at the age of 91, leaving behind a timeless legacy as one of Capoeira’s greatest cultural guardians. His life’s work continues through the rodas, songs, and stories he helped keep alive — a testament to the strength, rhythm, and soul of the Brazilian people.