Herança Negra

Herança Negra formed in Rio de Janeiro in 1985, with Carlinhos Brown on vocals and percussion alongside Carlos Bobô, J.C. Silva, Lelei, and Jorjão. They mixed samba, funk, and reggae into something that felt both local and connected to broader African diasporic sounds. Songs like 'Segue o Baile' and 'No Caminho do Reggae' carried that rhythmic blend forward.

Their lyrics often dealt directly with social issues, which sometimes drew criticism. The 1987 album 'A Cena' included the title track that became associated with favela life. They kept recording through the late '80s and early '90s, putting out albums like 'Brega Chic' and a self-titled collaboration with Carlinhos Brown in 1993.

While the existing history makes some grand claims about their influence, what's clearer is that they made music rooted in Afro-Brazilian experience during a particular time. Tracks such as 'A Força de Jah' and 'Babylon System' reflect their reggae leanings and thematic concerns. They were part of a wave of Brazilian artists exploring these connections in the 1980s and 1990s.