Martinho da Vila (born February 12, 1938) is a Brazilian singer and composer who is considered to be one of the main representatives of samba and MPB.

Internationally celebrated artists such as Nana Mouskouri (Greece), Ornella Vanoni (Italy), Katia Guerreiro (Portugal), Rosario Flores (Spain) have put their voices to Martinho’s songs and lyrics.

Among his many national collaborations, a few notable names are Zeca Pagodinho, Arlindo Cruz, Chico Buarque, Beth Carvalho, Noel Rosa, Alcione, among others.

In addition to being a celebrated singer and songwriter, Martinho is also a writer and author of 13 books: Notable works include Os Lusófonos, republished in Portugal, as well as Joanna and Joanes - A Fluminense Romance, and Ópera Negra, which was later translated into French.

Martinho da Vila’s artistic career became public at the III Festival of Record, in 1967, when he entered the competition with the song "Menina Moça".

The first album, released in 1969, entitled Martinho da Vila, already demonstrated the extent of his talent as a composer and musician, which, in addition to "Casa de Bamba", showcased masterpieces such as "O Pequeno Burguês," "Quem é do Mar não enjoa" and "Pra que Dinheiro" among other gems such as" Brasil Mulato", "Amor pra que Nasceu" and "Tom Maior".

At the closing ceremony of the 2016 Rio Olympics, Martinho performed onstage in the Maracanã Stadium, singing "Carinhoso [br]" with his three daughters and one granddaughter.

After a 17-year hiatus, in 2010, Martinho won the sambas enredo contest again, providing the school’s theme - Noel Rosa, another composer of Vila Isabel, to celebrate his centenary.