Jeca Tatu

Jeca Tatu formed in the early 1980s in Campina Grande, a town in northeastern Brazil. The band was led by vocalist and guitarist Zé Gomes, who took inspiration from the actor Amácio Mazzaropi. Their early years were lean, but they built a following with songs that spoke plainly about rural life.

Their debut album, 'Jeca Tatu,' came out in the late 1980s and helped them reach a national audience. Over time, they released about a dozen albums that mixed traditional Brazilian rhythms with rock and country. The song 'Amácio Mazzaropi' became one of their best-known tracks, a straightforward tribute that resonated with listeners in Brazil's backlands.

The band's lineup stayed fairly steady, with Gomes at the center alongside guitarist Victor da Sanfona, bassist Zé do Gado, and drummer Gilmar. Their lyrics often dealt with poverty and injustice, delivered in a direct style that sometimes drew criticism from authorities. They kept playing for roughly three decades, sticking to their roots without much polish or pretense.