HaÍssa Scanfella

Haïssa Scanfella formed in 1998 around frontman Kiko Dinucci, with drummer Rodrigo Santos and bassist Rica Amabis. They put out their first album in 2002 and followed it with records like 'A Minha Bandeira' in 2006. Their sound pulls from samba, rock, and funk, but it's the lyrics that stick with people, often sharp and political.

Songs like 'Meu Aba Pai' and 'Ser adorador' carry that weight, speaking to struggles and hopes in a way that's felt real to many listeners. 'A Minha Bandeira' became a kind of anthem for them, a call for unity that resonated widely. Their music isn't just background; it's meant to say something, and it has, even when it's drawn criticism for being too direct.

They've played live shows, including a recorded set at Circo Voador in 2008, and kept releasing albums into the 2010s. The band's outspokenness has led to some friction, like a performance that got stopped by police in 2010, but they've also found listeners far beyond Brazil who appreciate what they're doing.