Banda Chibande formed in the mid-1980s in the Chibande district of Maputo, Mozambique. The group was led by vocalist and guitarist Ernesto "Chibande" Nhamuave, who gave the band its name. They played a mix of Mozambican traditional melodies with some Western pop touches.
In 1994, they released their debut album "Flores," and the title track became their signature song. It's a ballad about unrequited love that found listeners both in Mozambique and elsewhere. Another song people remember is "Quero Te Amar."
Ernesto Nhamuave died in a car accident in 1999. The band continued with a new lead singer, João "Ndler" Maquengo. Their lineup has included Rosário "Djanjo" Nguenha on bass, Alexandre "Xande" Tembe on guitar, Alberto "Beto" Marrenguele on drums, and Adelino "Dino" Chacassa on keyboards.
They put out several more albums after "Flores," like "Pensa em Mim" in 1997 and "Amor Secreto" in 2000. Some of their lyrics drew criticism for being too explicit, but they kept recording.
Keep it compact: a lyric you come back to, a live memory, or the part of the catalog you would point someone toward first.
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