Xote In Bahia

Xote In Bahia formed in Salvador in 1999, with founding members Marcos Clement on vocals and guitar, Jorge Zarath on bass, and Mário Rocha on drums. They worked with traditional Brazilian rhythms like xote and forró, but brought in contemporary sounds and lyrics that addressed social issues. Their early years involved playing small venues for little money, and some listeners thought their modern take on the music was too unconventional.

In 2004, their debut album included the song "Vem Menina," which became a national hit. The track celebrated the resilience of marginalized women, and its success pushed the band into wider recognition. That attention also brought criticism from various sides about their politically charged lyrics, which touched on poverty, racism, and inequality.

They kept recording after that, putting out albums like "Navegante" in 2007, "A Vida Real" in 2010, and "Oxalá" in 2013. The current lineup still includes Clement, Zarath, and Rocha, along with Lila Paraguai on vocals and percussion and Duda Guanaes on vocals and keyboards.