Vanderlei

Vanderlei came from Santo Amaro, Bahia, where he grew up hearing the rhythms of Candomblé. That West African religious tradition, brought to Brazil by enslaved people, gave his music a spiritual quality that stayed with him. He recorded his self-titled debut album in 1974, which included the song 'Dandara Dos Palmares.'

The song's references to the historic quilombo of Palmares drew attention from authorities, and Vanderlei was briefly imprisoned for refusing to change his message. Another track, 'A Natureza Vai Recordar,' also appeared among his work.

He kept recording through the 1970s and 1980s, putting out albums like Raça in 1976 and Homenagem à Martin Luther King in 1988. Musicians like Morais Moreira, Roberto Mendes, Armandinho, and Luciano Bahia played in his band at different times.