Born and raised in Brazilia, Brazil, Papiba landed in Santa Cruz in 1992. As well as teaching Capoeira and founding Raizes do Brasil Capoeira School, his musical talents and dedication to sharing Brazilian culture lead him to form SambaDá in 1997. Papiba is a gifted song writer and composes much of SambaDá’s original music. Papiba’s infectious enthusiasm for what he does comes across in every show and brings people together. A “Mestre” (master teacher) of Capoeira (a Brazilian Art Form fusing dance, martial art and music), Papiba is a natural leader and teacher. His music is shaped and inspired by the spirit of capoeira.