Full name: Edvaldo Carneiro e Silva
Born: January 7, 1944 – Fazenda Estiva, Jacobina, Bahia
Died: April 18, 2013 – Salvador, Bahia
Lineage: Student of Mestre Bimba
Known for: Grão-Mestre of ABADÁ-Capoeira; pioneer of capoeira’s international expansion

Early Years and Training

Edvaldo Carneiro e Silva, known worldwide as Mestre Camisa Roxa, began learning capoeira in 1954, at the age of ten. In 1962, after moving to Salvador to continue his studies, he entered Mestre Bimba’s academy. He quickly distinguished himself for his discipline, posture, and understanding of the fundamentals of Capoeira Regional, earning recognition as one of Bimba’s most skilled students.

His nickname, Camisa Roxa (“Purple Shirt”), came from his habit of wearing a purple shirt to the rodas of Bahia. In these same rodas — including those of Mestre Pastinha, Mestre Waldemar, and Mestre Traíra — he built his reputation as an exceptional practitioner respected by both Angola and Regional communities.

Artistic and Cultural Work

During the 1960s, Camisa Roxa became involved in important cultural initiatives, including Viva Bahia, Olodum Maré, and other folkloric groups. He traveled through Brazil performing capoeira and Afro-Brazilian dances such as Maculelê, Samba de Roda, and Puxada de Rede.

In 1973, he founded the performance company Brasil Tropical, which went on to perform in more than 60 countries. The group appeared internationally, even during the 1974 FIFA World Cup broadcast, becoming a major force in bringing capoeira to global audiences. Scholars often cite Brasil Tropical as one of the central vectors for capoeira’s arrival in Europe in the 1970s.

From the 1970s to the 1990s, Camisa Roxa continued to lead shows, teach workshops, and participate in cultural productions across Europe, the Americas, and beyond.

Role in ABADÁ-Capoeira

Mestre Camisa Roxa was a co-founder and intellectual contributor during the early formation of ABADÁ-Capoeira, helping to develop its statutes, training structure, and philosophy.
In 1989, he was awarded the title of Grão-Mestre, the highest rank in ABADÁ, in recognition of his decades of leadership, innovation, and cultural contribution.

He helped coordinate the group’s European expansion, organizing major events such as:

• Encontro da Primavera (Spring Gathering)

• Jogos Europeus de Capoeira (European Games)

These gatherings became important training and integration points for capoeiristas across the continent.

Philosophy

Mestre Camisa Roxa believed in a capoeira that united Angola and Regional, stating that Mestre Bimba’s intention was for students to evolve into playing lower, more complete games over time. He advocated for:

• Professionalization of capoeira

• Unity between different groups

• More discipline and responsibility among leaders

• Greater cultural education through performance and folkloric preservation

He saw capoeira not only as a fight or dance, but as a transformative cultural force capable of educating and unifying communities.

Family and Personal Life

At age 21, after the death of his father, Camisa Roxa became the head of his family, guiding and supporting his siblings. Several of his brothers — such as Ermival, Pedrinho, and José Tadeu — followed his path, training with Mestre Bimba and becoming alunos formados.

Final Years and Legacy

Until his final years, Mestre Camisa Roxa continued researching capoeira, organizing events, supporting community initiatives, and promoting the art across continents. He founded the Festa da Capoeira in Bahia (2010), an event honoring notable contributors to capoeira’s growth.

He passed away on April 18, 2013, leaving behind one of the most influential legacies in modern capoeira. He is remembered as:

• A visionary leader

• A master performer

• One of the greatest international ambassadors of Capoeira Regional

• A foundational figure in the history of ABADÁ-Capoeira

His impact helped shape the global presence capoeira enjoys today.