Xenhenhem

Xenhenhem formed in Salvador, Bahia, in 1983. The band included Bastinho on vocals and guitar, Tuzé on percussion, Baby O on keyboards, and Jarbas Bitencourt on bass. They worked with a mix of Afro-Brazilian percussion, ambient electronics, and improvisational jazz, which gave their music a distinct, layered feel. Songs like 'Podi de Xique' and 'Só No Xenhenhem' reflect that blend of rhythmic drive and textured soundscapes.

In 1990, they put out the album 'Eixo da Grampola,' which became a touchstone for their sound. The title track got steady radio play in Brazil and helped build their audience. They followed it with records like 'O Anel de Zaratustra' in 1994 and 'A Cruz do Sul' in 1998, keeping their experimental approach intact through the decade.

Their music wasn't always easy to categorize, and that sometimes drew criticism from listeners who preferred more conventional styles. But they kept at it, developing a dedicated following that appreciated their willingness to bend genres. Tracks such as 'Peruca de Corno' and 'Coração Arquejando' show how they could weave quirky, personal lyrics into those intricate arrangements without losing the groove.

Xenhenhem stayed active into the 2000s, releasing 'Fonte' in 2001 and a compilation called 'Xenhenhem 10 Anos' in 2003. Their influence lingered in Brazil's underground circles, where musicians picked up on their blend of percussion and electronics.