Mestre Paulo Siqueira

Mestre Paulo Siqueira, born in Rio de Janeiro, was educated in Capoeira by Mestre Adilson 'Camisa Preta' and Mestre Roque in the favela of Pavaozinho in Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro. In the early 80s he travelled to Germany and founded the ‘Escola de Capoeira Angola Nzinga’ in Hamburg, where he is still teaching. Thanks to him and the initiated ‘Capoeira Summer-meeting’ (located in Hamburg), Capoeira became well recognized in Germany and all over Europe.

'Most important in the art of Capoeira is the culture and the respect between all Capoeristas, no matter which style they play or where they come from' (M. Paulo Siqueira).

The name 'Nzinga'

‘Nzinga’ was an African queen temporarily ruling over two kingdoms. She became famous because she and her folks could resist the Portuguese Invaders over a long time frame.

Mestre Paulo Siqueira was inspired by a theatre play about the queen ‘Nzinga’ and subsequently studied her history. After reflecting his studies, he decided to name his Capoeira group ‘Escola de Capoeira Nzinga’ to honour the life and resistance of the queen ‘Nzinga’.