The capoeira master began her career in the 1980s and was one of the leading female figures in Angola capoeira. Ritinha was one of the first women to join the capoeira group led by Mestre João Pequeno, a leading advocate of capoeira and disciple of Mestre Pastinha. 

She was the sister of Mestra Jararaca, a disciple of Mestres João Pequeno and Curió. Mestra Ritinha passed away at the age of 52 on January 21, 2019.