Manezinho Araújo was given the title of the Rei da Embolada (King of Embolada) due to his massive commercial success and mastery of this ancient Northeastern style similar to rap as a percussive and declamatory genre.

Manezinho learned to sing emboladas with singer/composer Minona Carneiro. Getting to know Carmen Miranda, Almirante, and Josué de Barros after one of their performances, Manezinho attracted their attention with his interpretation of several of his emboladas and had their support when he moved to Rio de Janeiro in 1933. Hired by Adhemar Casé for his renowned Programa Casé (where also performed Noel Rosa, among other famous artists) at Rádio Philips, Manezinho recorded his first album soon afterwards, followed by participation in the cinema, also singing emboladas. In his prime (1933 to 1956), recorded many albums as an interpreter, having his biggest hits with his compositions Como Tem Zé na Paraíba (with Catulo de Paula, re-recorded by Jackson do Pandeiro), Segura o Gato, Sá Turbina, Cuma É o Nome Dele?, Tadinho do Manezinho, Quando Eu Vejo a Margarida, O Carrité do Coroné, and Pra Onde Vai, Valente? He also had a smash with Luiz Gonzaga/Miguel Lima's Dezessete e Setecentos. ~ Alvaro Neder, Rovi