Criolo e Barrerito

Criolo e Barrerito were a Brazilian duo from Rio de Janeiro, made up of João Ribas (Criolo) and Osvaldo Pereira (Barrerito). They started making music in the 1980s, and in 1996 their song "Hino de Reis" became a national hit. The track's simple melody and direct lyrics connected with listeners across different parts of Brazilian society.

Their music often dealt with everyday struggles and social themes, which sometimes drew criticism but also built them a loyal following. They recorded several albums in the late 1990s and early 2000s, including "No Caminho da Fé" and "Luz do Mundo." Other songs like "Prenda Minha" and "Berrante de Madalena" show their straightforward approach to melody and storytelling.

They worked with other Brazilian musicians like Chico Buarque and Gilberto Gil on occasion. Their sound stayed rooted in accessible, melodic forms rather than complex arrangements, which helped their music reach a broad audience during their active years.