Osvaldo Alves Pereira, the influential sambista and composer known as Noca da Portela, died Sunday, May 17, 2026, at age 93 [1], [2], [3].
Pereira served as a foundational figure for the Portela samba school, and his death marks the loss of one of the most significant references in Rio de Janeiro's musical heritage.
The composer died at a hospital in the São Cristóvão neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro's North Zone [1]. He had been hospitalized since April 30, 2026 [1].
Reports regarding the cause of death vary between primary sources. Jovem Pan News said the death resulted from a urinary tract infection [1]. However, R7 said Pereira died due to complications from pneumonia [2].
Described as an "icon of Carioca samba" by R7, Pereira's work helped define the sound and tradition of the samba genre in Brazil [2]. He remained a central figure within the Portela community throughout his long career.
A wake for the composer is scheduled for Tuesday, May 19, 2026 [1]. The services are set to begin at 8 [1].
"Compositor e referência da escola de samba, morreu neste domingo (17)," IG said regarding the loss of the artist [3].
“Noca da Portela, ícone do samba carioca, aos 93 anos”
The death of Noca da Portela represents the passing of a direct link to the golden era of traditional samba. As a key composer for Portela, one of Brazil's most historic samba schools, his influence extends beyond individual songs to the very structural identity of the genre in Rio de Janeiro.
