Sérgio Souza Oliveira, known in the capoeira community as Mestre Nagô, has been practicing capoeira since 1970 and currently resides in Rio de Janeiro, where he also teaches. He serves as one of the supervisors for Abadá-capoeira in Brazil's Southeastern region.

Mestre Nagô is among the select few masters who are part of the global Abadá-capoeira organization. He began his journey in capoeira at the age of 14, playing alongside friends in his neighborhood. Growing up in Rio de Janeiro, Mestre Nagô frequently participated in street rodas, always eager to engage in the art form.

At 17, he was inspired by a friend's conversation about traveling the world to perform capoeira. This sparked a new perspective for Mestre Nagô, leading him to view capoeira as more than just self-defense or recreation. Encouraged by the same friend, he attended a 'batizado' where Mestre Camisa showcased his impressive skills, and it was then that Mestre Nagô felt a true sense of belonging.

In 1978, at the age of 22, Sérgio Oliveira began training under Mestre Camisa at the Regatta Guanabara Club in Rio de Janeiro, adopting the nickname Nagô. Within two months, he earned his blue cord, the rank of 'aluno graduado' from Mestre Camisa, prompting him to pursue capoeira as a professional career. He left his job as a metal worker to dedicate himself fully to the art.

Mestre Nagô, along with Mestre Camisa and fellow capoeiristas Claudio Moreno, Arara, and Mula, prioritized rigorous training, batizados, street rodas, and performances across Brazil. In 1982, he embarked on his first international journey to Montreal, Canada, with Mestre Camisa Roxa’s “Brasil Tropical” performance company, marking the beginning of many travels he had long envisioned.

By 1984, Mestre Nagô attained the rank of Mestrando. His dedication, discipline, and accumulated wisdom ultimately led to his recognition as a Mestre by Abadá-capoeira in August 2001, after 23 years of training.

That same year, he established his own capoeira academy in his cherished neighborhood of Nova Iguaçu, Rio de Janeiro. Over the years, Mestre Nagô has traveled to more than 20 countries, participating in events and teaching workshops in places including Angola, Germany, Japan, Austria, and the United States, among others.

His contributions to the community have been acknowledged by the city of Rio de Janeiro, which honored him with a prestigious award, placing him alongside other notable figures such as doctors, lawyers, and politicians.