Karnak

Karnak formed in Goiás, Brazil in the early 1970s as a trio of brothers Fernando and João Carlos Ianni with their friend José Rodrigues Neto. They worked with traditional sertanejo music but brought in elements from rock and blues, creating something that felt both familiar and new. Their lyrics, mostly written by João Carlos, often focused on rural life and social themes.

Their song "Boiadeiro" became widely popular after appearing on their 1974 debut album. Other tracks like "Lee-o-Dua" and "O Mundo" showed their range, mixing poetic storytelling with straightforward musical arrangements. The group's sound was built around Fernando's vocals, João Carlos's bass and writing, and Neto's drumming.

Karnak faced some criticism for their direct approach to social issues in songs, but they kept recording and performing. Their music stayed in circulation through the years, influencing later sertanejo artists who appreciated how they handled traditional forms. You can still hear their approach in tracks like "Cala a boca menina" and "Maria Inês."