Xamego da Bahia

Xamego da Bahia formed in Salvador in the late 1980s, with founding members including Antonio Carlos da Silva (known as Neguinho), Jackson Fernandes (Jaca), and Wilson Cardoso (Três). They started playing local events around the city before releasing their self-titled debut album in 1996. That record included 'Ausência,' which became a hit for them.

Their music mixes samba-reggae with axé, a style rooted in Bahia's carnival traditions. Songs like 'Fim de Tarde' and 'Solidão' carry that rhythmic energy while often dealing with themes of love and longing. They put out several albums through the late 1990s and 2000s, including 'Tempero Baiano' in 1997 and 'Só o Amor' in 2002.

In 2001, the band paused briefly after Neguinho faced harassment allegations that were later dismissed. They returned to performing and continued recording, with later releases like 'Nosso Axé' in 2014. Their catalog includes straightforward samba and party tracks alongside more reflective material like 'Penas D'um Tiê' and 'Pra Sempre.'