Ara Ketu

Origin

Salvador, BA

Also known as

Araketu, Banda Araketu

Years Active

1980–presente

Genres

axé, pagode baiano, samba-reggae, afoxé, ijexá, música afro-pop-baiana

Instruments

percussão, sopro, bateria, teclado, guitarra elétrica, baixo, sintetizadores, samples

Biography

Ara Ketu is a Brazilian axé music group originating from Salvador, Bahia. Founded on March 8, 1980, initially as an afro block, the group established itself as a band in 1987, becoming one of the icons of the Bahian carnival and Brazilian popular music.

The name "Ara Ketu" originates from the Yoruba language, meaning "People of Ketu," a reference to a historical region in present-day Nigeria, from where many slaves came to Bahia. This African ancestry is a fundamental pillar of the group's identity, reflected in its music, which blends Afro-Brazilian rhythms like samba-reggae, afoxé, and ijexá with modern elements such as synthesizers and samples. Ara Ketu's protective orisha is Oxóssi, which is manifested in the ofá symbol and the blue and white colors frequently used by the group.

Throughout its trajectory, Ara Ketu has released several successful albums, scoring hits like "Mal Acostumada", "Amantes", "Ara Ketu Bom Demais", and "Pipoca". The band has featured notable vocalists such as Tatau, Larissa Luz, and currently Dan Miranda. The group has also collaborated with other big names in Brazilian music, such as Ivete Sangalo, Daniela Mercury, and Carlinhos Brown, further strengthening its legacy and contribution to Afro-Brazilian culture and the country's musical scene.

Discography

• Contos de Benin (1988)
• Ara Ketu (1992)
• De Periperi (1993)
• Piripiri (1993)
• Bom Demais (1994)
• Ara Ketu Dez (1995)
• Dividindo Alegria (1996)
• Pra Lá de Bom (1997)
• Ao Vivo (1998)
• Ara Ketu e o Povo Ao Vivo de Novo (1999)
• Vida (2000)
• Ensaio Do Ara Ketu (2002)
• Obrigado a Você (2003)
• 25 Emoções (2004)
• Ara Ketu (2005)
• Ao Vivo em Salvador (2008)
• Ara Ketu (Ao Vivo) (2014)
• Ara Ketu em Casa, Vol. 1 (2020)
• 45 Anos (2025)
• Axé Retrô (Vol.4) (2025)
• Ara Ketu