Deaths: Marked the football broadcasts with the jingle 'Brazil-sil-sil'
The article celebrates the legacy of José Cláudio Muniz Pereira Barbedo, known as Formiga, who created the iconic jingle 'Brasil-sil-sil' that has been synonymous with Brazilian football broadcasts since 1969.
In 1969, at the young age of 19, sound engineer José Cláudio Muniz Pereira Barbedo, affectionately known as Formiga, crafted one of the most recognizable jingles in Brazilian radio history— "Brasil-sil-sil!"— which became the hallmark of all broadcasts featuring the Brazilian national football team. The following year, the jingle gained unprecedented popularity with Brazil's victory in the World Cup, cementing its place in the hearts of football fans everywhere. Today, it remains a nostalgic and enduring element in broadcasts by Globo for both football and a variety of other sports.
Formiga's creativity in producing the jingle was particularly remarkable given the limited electronic resources available at the time. He utilized various audio devices, including an audio oscillator, to create the signature entrance whistle. Additionally, he ingeniously used tape with Durex to produce three distinct types of echo, enriching the sound and character of the jingle. His collaboration with radio announcer Edmo Zarife, who lent his voice to emphasize the word 'Brasil', contributed to its impactful resonance with listeners.
Born in 1950 in Petrópolis, located in the mountainous region of Rio de Janeiro, Formiga embarked on his journey in radio at the young age of 13. His early passion for sound engineering and radio production led him to create a lasting legacy that not only transformed sports broadcasting in Brazil but also left an indelible mark on the country's cultural identity. The 'Brasil-sil-sil' jingle continues to evoke a sense of pride and unity among Brazilians, illustrating the profound connection between sound and national identity in sports.