Velho Ziza

Velho Ziza came out of Salvador, Bahia in the late 1970s, led by vocalist and guitarist Luiz Carlos da Silva. Their music often touched on social issues, which sometimes put them at odds with authorities during that period. They weren't afraid to say what they thought, and that directness connected with people who were looking for something more honest than what was on the radio.

Their 1984 album "Devaneios" gave them their most recognizable song, the title track that became something of an anthem. They put out several records through the '80s and into the early '90s, like their self-titled 1982 debut and 1991's "O Canto da Terra." The sound pulled from different places, some Afro-Brazilian rhythms, some rock, a little reggae, but it always felt like their own thing.

Other musicians came through the band over time, including guitarist Carlos "Capinam" Gomes, bassist Renato Rocha, and drummer Adelson Alves. They kept working, and songs like "Riso da Mentira" and "Último Dizer" showed they hadn't lost their edge for writing lyrics that made you pay attention.