Jambu

Jambu formed in Rio de Janeiro around 2006, with Helio Bentes on vocals, Rafael Marques on guitar, André Lira on keyboards, and Renato Guimarães on bass. Their music pulled from reggae, rock, and hip-hop, and they built a following while drawing criticism from conservative corners for what some called vulgarity or excessive experimentation.

In 2012, their single "Falso Realismo" became a breakthrough. The song's lyrics took aim at what the band saw as superficiality and hypocrisy in Brazilian society, and it resonated with many listeners. That track, along with others like "Fora do Padrão" and "Gabriel," helped define their sound, a mix of pointed commentary and rhythmic energy that didn't shy from provoking debate.

They kept making music through the attention and pushback, sticking to an approach that treated music as something that should challenge norms rather than just entertain. Their catalog includes songs like "Qualquer Jeito" and "Por Você," which continued in that vein of blending social observation with accessible grooves.