Apascentar Music

Origin

Nova Iguaçu, RJ

Years active

1993–Present

Genres

contemporary christian music, gospel, worship

Biography

Apascentar Music, originally known as Ministério Apascentar de Nova Iguaçu, Toque no Altar, and Apascentar de Louvor, is a prominent Brazilian contemporary Christian music group originating from the Igreja Evangélica Ministério Apascentar in Nova Iguaçu, Rio de Janeiro. Formed initially in the 1990s as a church band, the group achieved massive commercial success and critical acclaim during the 2000s under its original lineup led by singer Luiz Arcanjo, alongside prominent musicians like Davi Sacer and Ronald Fonseca. Their early albums such as Toque no Altar, Deus de Promessas, and Olha pra Mim became milestones in Brazilian gospel music and dominated major awards like the Troféu Talento.

In late 2006, the band suffered a significant split due to conflicts with pastor Marcus Gregório regarding the commercialization of the ministry's label, leading several key members to depart and form Trazendo a Arca. Following the departure, the group underwent multiple lineup changes, led at various times by vocalists such as Rafael Bitencourt, Weferson Gaspar, Alexandre Dias, and Samuel Vinholes. Despite legal battles and changes in nomenclature, the group continued to release notable projects, including the Latin Grammy-nominated album É Impossível, mas Deus Pode and later works distributed through MK Music.

Over nearly three decades of existence and various structural reformulations, Apascentar Music has remained an influential entity within the Brazilian evangelical music scene. Their signature songs like "Restitui", "Deus de Promessas", and "Olha pra Mim" cemented their legacy as one of the most successful worship groups in the country. The ministry's rich musical tradition has continuously shaped contemporary Christian worship throughout Brazil, connecting generations of artists and believers.