Axé do Samba

Axé do Samba formed in 2001 around Bruno Reis, who had previously played with the axé group Chiclete com Banana. Their debut album 'Vai Dançar Na Praia' came out the following year, and its title track became a hit across Brazil. The band's sound mixed the upbeat rhythms of axé with samba's melodic feel, heard on songs like 'Vamos Dançar Na Praia' and 'Estou Precisando de Você'.

In 2005, Axé do Samba had a public dispute with their label Sony Music that led to a break before they signed with Universal. Five years later, Reis faced sexual harassment allegations that drew media attention; he denied them and the case was dismissed. The group kept recording through these periods, putting out albums like 'Eu Sou Axé' in 2005 and 'Axé do Samba' in 2011.

Alongside Reis, the lineup has included guitarist Tonho da Lua, bassist Carlinhos Brown, and percussionist Neguinho do Samba. Their later tracks such as 'Viver Para Amar' and 'Agradeço Por Seu Amor' continued in their established style, upbeat and geared for dancing.