Banda Amor

Banda Amor formed in Rio de Janeiro in 1998, with Naldo Benny as vocalist and composer. He'd worked on an assembly line and developed his singing in the Favela da Maré, where samba and funk were part of the local sound. The band's first album came out in 2001, titled after the song 'Bola da Vez,' which became a hit. Other members included Cidinho on drums, Uallace on guitar, and Luiz Claudio on bass.

Their music drew criticism for lyrics some saw as promoting drug use and promiscuity, leading to lawsuits and public backlash. The band argued they were reflecting life in Brazil's urban areas. They kept recording through it, putting out albums like 'O Melhor do Amor' in 2003 and 'Amor de Verdade' in 2005. Songs such as 'Foi Amor' and 'A Força do Amor' maintained their romantic theme.

Over time, the lineup shifted, with Marquinhos joining on keyboards. They released more albums including 'Simplesmente Amor' in 2007 and 'Na Veia do Amor' in 2009. Tracks like 'Agora Eu Sei' and 'Carinho e Barata' continued their blend of catchy rhythms and sentimental lyrics, appealing to a broad audience in Brazil.