Forró Mulekalenga

Forró Mulekalenga formed in 2006 in Fortaleza, Brazil, with members including lead vocalist Ednardo Medeiros and accordionist Antônio Carlos. They drew from baile funk, Maracatu street percussion, and MPB to create an urban take on traditional forró. Their debut album 'Forró das Cidades' came out in 2008, with the title track becoming an anthem that resonated with city audiences.

Some purists criticized their fusion approach as straying too far from traditional forró sounds. Their lyrics often addressed social issues like poverty and inequality, which brought additional scrutiny. The band maintained their direction despite these reactions.

Other members have included vocalists Jefferson Gonçalves and Joãozinho do Exú, along with percussionist Lucas de Araripe. They've worked with artists like Ivete Sangalo, Elba Ramalho, and the forró band Mastruz. Songs like 'A Saudade Dói' and 'Antes Que o Sol Se Vá' show their blend of urban energy with forró's rhythmic foundation.