Afrika Gumbe

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Years active

1980–1992

Genres

african music, world music, mpb

Instruments

percussion, keyboard, guitar

Biography

The musical group Afrika Gumbe had its origins in the 1980s in Lapa, where African students—mostly from Guinea-Bissau—gathered at the D’Africa restaurant to play and preserve their musical roots. The initial lineup featured the inclusion of musician Marcelo Lobato at the invitation of the Panamanian Cheo, later joined by Marcos Lobato and Pedro Leão, in addition to the collaboration of percussionist Seu Humberto and Fô Ventura. The project's name honors gumbé, a traditional rhythm and dance from Guinea-Bissau, reflecting the band's deep research and immersion in the sounds of the African continent.

With the support and advice of Adu Obalogun and Yoruba classes taught by the Nigerian Edward, the Lobato brothers financed the early steps of their career with the sale of an automobile. The group's unique talent caught the attention of the Eldorado record label, resulting in the release of their debut album in 1989, which later received a CD edition in 1991 and circulated intensely through the Rio de Janeiro concert circuit. Their strong rhythmic identity and sound experimentation marked this initial phase of consolidation in the national independent scene.

The band's activities continued until 1992, at which point Marcelo Lobato joined the renowned band O Rappa, leading the members to pursue new professional paths. Despite this, the collective kept their creative vein active, composing and recording ideas over the years until it culminated in the release of their second album of unreleased tracks, titled "Meu Refrão Inquieto". This later work consolidated a dense, polyrhythmic, and innovative aesthetic, with a strong presence of compositions by Marcos and Marcelo Lobato, alongside contributions from Pedro Leão.