Axé Bahia

Axé Bahia formed in 1996 in Salvador, Bahia, bringing together musicians and dancers who mixed traditional Brazilian sounds with contemporary pop. Their 2000 single 'Tesouro De Pirata (Onda Onda)' broke through, becoming a chart-topper in Brazil and Latin America with its carnival-ready energy.

That song's success led to international tours and a series of albums simply titled by year, like Axé Bahia 2000 and Axé Bahia 2001. Other tracks like 'Ali Baba' and 'Gata Brasileira' kept their sound in rotation during Brazil's festival seasons.

The group has worked with various vocalists over time, including Márcia Freire and Luciano Salvador. Their music drew some criticism for being more commercial than traditional, but it remained firmly tied to the festive atmosphere of Salvador's streets.