Vó Ruth

Vó Ruth formed in 2007 in Salvador, Brazil, when a group of artists gathered at the Gato Preto bar. The collective took its name from Ruth de Souza, a self-taught musician who became their frontwoman.

Their music pulls from reggae, samba, and Afro-Brazilian rhythms, with lyrics in Portuguese and Yorùbá that often touch on social justice. Songs like "Guetos" and "Orgulho Da Favela" reflect their connection to street culture and community themes.

In 2016, the band faced criticism for a music video that featured a kiss between two women. They've worked with artists like Carlinhos Brown and Gilberto Gil, but remain primarily a collective rather than a fixed lineup.