Carlos Gilberto Aceituno (April 9, 1961 – Sept 27, 2006)
Founder and former Artistic Director
Carlos Aceituno’s artistic background encompassed extensive study in a variety of music and dance forms—Latin, African, Afro-Brazilian, African, Jazz and modern. In 1989, he formed the award winning carnaval group Fogo na Roupa, consisting of both a performing company and carnaval group (Grupo Carnavalesco). Fogo na Roupa embarked on what is now more than two decades of Afro-Brazilian parade, performance and culture promotion. The group’s repertoire benefited greatly through his strong 27-year commitment the study, training and teaching of Capoeira, a Brazilian martial art form.
Carlos studies Capoeira under the leadership of his teacher, Mestre Preguica, a first generation student of legendary Mestre Bimba, the founder of ‘Capoeira Regional’. In 2000, Carlos became the first person outside of Brazil to earn the title of mestre, or master practitioner, of Capoeira.
Carlos came from a legacy of Afro-Brazilian dance and music culture, pioneered in the San Francisco Bay Area by Jose Lorenzo’s Batucaje. He worked directly with such master artists as Jorge Alabê, Mestre King (renowned pioneer of Afro-Brazilian Dance in Salvador da Bahia, Brazil), Rosangela Silvestre, and the Bale Folklorico da Bahia. Under his artistic direction, Fogo na Roupa’s performance highlights include Bay Area opener for Brazil’s popular Olodum, collaboration with prominent Bay Area jazz ensemble, Mingus Amungus; and opening for Carlos Santana. He also directed Fogo Na Roupa’s performance at the annual KMEL Summer Jam during the ‘96-’97 season. In 1999, he led Fogo Na Roupa in the opening of internationally acclaimed Brazilian recording artist, Carlinhos Brown, at the Galleria Trade Show Center in San Francisco. Under his direction, Fogo na Roupa has earned the grand prize of “Best Brazilian Contingent” in the San Francisco Carnaval Parade for multiple years. Additionallu Fogo na Roupa performed at Brazilian Independence Celebrations in San Francisco, the Afribbean Festival, Oakland’s own Carijama festivals, Chinese New Year Parade, and made TV appearances on KGO, Channel 7.
Carlos was one of Bay Area Youth Arts initial founders and strongest supporters, where he taught Capoeira to young people. He was a stalwart in the community who trained children, youth and adults in various Brazilian art forms, including dance and percussion. He conducted annual study tours to Brazil with Fogo Na Roupa, to enhance his knowledge of regional dance and music, while keeping abreast of ever-changing popular trends. He will be forever missed.
In March 2007, Carlos was posthumously was awarded the prestigious Cesar Chavez “Si Se Puede Award”, given to those who espouse Chavez’s core values of community and service to others. Later in 2007, Mayor Gavin Newsom declared May 18th “Carlos Aceituno Day”.
Inside Bay Area magazine tribute: Capoeira master leaves legacy
San Jose Mercury News: Aceituno, master of Brazilian arts
Carlos Aceituno — Samba, Capoeira master, by Cicero A. Estrella, SF Chronicle
Fogo na Roupa 2007 San Francisco Carnaval coverage from carnaval.com