JOÃO GORDO – Cavaleiro de Aruanda (2024)

A hymn to the orisha named Oxóssi in the Umbanda tradition, “Cavaleiro de Aruanda” is a popular Brazilian song. “Knight of Aruanda” is a name stemming from Afro-Brazilian spiritual traditions, particularly Umbanda. Aruanda is a spiritual realm or plane believed to be a place of light, peace, and ancestral wisdom, often considered the home of evolved spirits who guide and protect humans. The “Knight” is a spirit entity or protector who acts as a guide or warrior, working to assist people on their spiritual journeys and protect them from harm and negative influences.

Cavaleiro de Aruanda” was composed by Tony Osanah, an Argentine-born musician, composer, and guitarist who became an influential figure in Brazilian rock and MPB (Música Popular Brasileira). His career spans over several decades, during which he contributed significantly to the Brazilian music scene. A former hippie and former Hare-Krishna, Osanah from Buenos Aires had no familiarity with themes and characters of Afro-Brazilian traditions when he composed “Cavaleiro de Aruanda.” He had no idea who Oxóssi was, an orisha from Brazilian Candomblé. But suddenly, at home, he started strumming the guitar and, four minutes later, the song came out.

It happened in February 1972, after an unexpected encounter on the sidewalk in front of the old Mappin building, downtown São Paulo. Osanah bumped into a stranger and was surprised. He told: “The guy looked at me and said I needed help. He looked like an old Indian man. He asked me to accompany him and said that I could never imagine what would happen in my life in the next few months,” he recalled. The man, a pai de santo (priest figure in Umbanda and Candomblé), took him to a terreiro (African–Brazilian religious temple). Back home, Osanah was inspired to compose the lyrics and melody of “Cavaleiro de Aruanda”. “It was psychographed to me”, he said. From that moment on, his life took a turn. “I was always trying something with the record companies. I was very young, already married and carefree.” From then on, I became famous and made money.

Ronnie Von, a Brazilian singer and TV personality, recorded it in 1972. João Gordo’s rendition is a punk rock version of the same song. Ronnie Von’s version of “Cavaleiro de Aruanda” leans into a Tropicalia style, characteristic of his work during this experimental phase of Brazilian music.

Quem é o cavaleiro, que vem lá de Aruanda É Oxóssi em seu cavalo, com seu chapéu de banda (Quem é o cavaleiro, que vem lá de Aruanda) (É Oxóssi em seu cavalo, com seu chapéu de banda)

Quem é esse cacique, glorioso e guerreiro Vem montado em seu cavalo, descer no meu terreiro Quem é esse cacique, glorioso e guerreiro Vem montado em seu cavalo, descer no meu terreiro

Vem de Aruanda uê Vem de Aruanda uá Vem de Aruanda uê Vem de Aruanda uá

Vem de Aruanda uê Vem de Aruanda auê

Ele é filho do verde, ele é filho da mata Saravá Nossa Senhora, a sua flecha mata Ele é filho do verde, ele é filho da mata Saravá Nossa Senhora, a sua flecha mata

Vem de Aruanda uê Vem de Aruanda uá Vem de Aruanda uê Vem de Aruanda uá Vem de Aruanda uê Vem de Aruanda auê

Vem de Aruanda uê Vem de Aruanda uá Vem de Aruanda uê Vem de Aruanda uá Vem de Aruanda uê Vem de Aruanda auê

É Oxóssi em seu cavalo com seu chapéu de banda (Quem é o cavaleiro, que vem lá de Aruanda) É Oxóssi em seu cavalo com seu chapéu de banda

Vem de Aruanda uê Vem de Aruanda uá Vem de Aruanda uê Vem de Aruanda uá Vem de Aruanda uê Vem de Aruanda auê

Vem de Aruanda uê Vem de Aruanda uá Vem de Aruanda uê Vem de Aruanda uá Vem de Aruanda uê Vem de Aruanda auê

Vem de Aruanda uê Vem de Aruanda uá Vem de Aruanda uê Vem de Aruanda uá Vem de Aruanda uê Vem de Aruanda auê