Who was Zé do Caroço?

Zé do Caroço was José Mendes da Silva, a retired Northeasterner who became a beloved and respected figure in the community at Morro do Pau da Bandeira, in Vila Isabel (RJ). The son of a Northeastern housekeeper and a bricklayer, he grew up in the alleys and slopes, became a leader of the pavilhão at FEBEM, and gradually became a respected character throughout the community — not for violence, but for his words and ability to unite people. He installed a loudspeaker system on the roof of his house, allowing for the daily dissemination of useful news — from warnings about storms, deaths, market prices, to transportation schedules — at no cost to the residents.

The nickname “Caroço” came from a health condition: José developed lumps in his joints, which resulted in his retirement. His activities even led to tensions: a resident, wife of a military man, reportedly complained about the noise of the loudspeaker during soap operas, triggering the military dictatorship's repression and sparking conflicts.

This story inspired Leci Brandão, who composed the samba “Zé do Caroço” between 1978 and 1985, celebrating José's role as a community leader who spoke for the “world” of the favela, often in opposition to the alienation of television.

His life and legacy were documented in reports and testimonies from people who knew him — including his son, Edmilson, and residents of the region. They remember José as a precursor of community communication, a “ground radio” that planted a seed for current practices like collective radios and popular media.

The lyrics, besides telling his story, critique the alienation of the people and the need for them to organize to fight for their rights. At the time, the president was General Ernesto Geisel, during the height of the dictatorship. Because of this, Leci Brandão, who wrote the song in 78, was only able to record it in 85 with a different label.

The samba stood out, having been re-recorded by artists such as Grupo Revelação, Art Popular, Seu Jorge (on the album with Ana Carolina, 2005), and revisited in various versions up to the present day. Seu Jorge, in fact, makes a word swap: “And at the time when Brazilian television DISTRACTS everyone with its soap opera” to “DESTROYS everyone with its soap opera.”