Jokers

Jokers formed in Salvador, Bahia in the early 2000s with Sérgio Santos on vocals and guitar, Renato Torres on guitar, Diego Moura on bass, and Marco Djavan on drums. They started playing in local bars and clubs, working with the traditional Northeastern baião rhythm but giving it a modern pop shape.

Their 2004 debut album 'Baião de Dois' took its name from the song that became their signature track. That record established their approach, and they followed it with albums like 'Nação Zumbi' in 2007 and 'Nordeste' in 2010. Other songs in their catalog include 'Barcos de Papel' and 'Carne & Osso'.

Some traditionalists criticized their take on baião, arguing it diluted the genre's authenticity. Their lyrics also drew attention for addressing social and political issues, which sometimes sparked debate in Brazil. They kept playing and recording after those early albums, though the original lineup's later activity isn't detailed here.