As Meninas

Origin

Salvador, BA

Years Active

1997–2009

Genres

axé, samba-reggae, MPB, pop

Instruments

vocals, guitar, saxophone, percussion

Biography

As Meninas was a pioneering all-female Brazilian musical group formed in 1997 by producer Cícero Menezes, achieving massive national and international success during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Led originally by charismatic vocalist Carla Cristina alongside instrumentalists and backing vocalists such as Jujuba, Ratinha, and Fernanda Barbosa, the band became a prominent fixture of the axé and samba-reggae scenes. Their breakout hit "Xibom Bombom," released in late 1999, captivated audiences with its catchy rhythm and socially conscious lyrics addressing economic inequality, propelling the debut album to gold status and charting across South America and Europe.

Following the departure of Carla Cristina in 2002 due to contractual and compensation disputes, the group underwent several lineup transitions, introducing vocalists like Flaviana Fernandes and later Taty Mell. Despite these changes, As Meninas continued to release albums such as "Tá Ficando Sério" and "Simpatia Pra Curar Homem Valente," maintaining a strong presence in Brazilian carnival celebrations and regional micaretas. The band officially dissolved in 2009, leaving a lasting legacy of upbeat, politically minded pop-axé that drew comparisons to contemporaries like Ivete Sangalo and Margareth Menezes.

Discography

• Xibom Bombom (1999)
• Tapa Aqui, Descobre Ali (2000)
• Loucas por Você (2001)
• Tá Ficando Sério!!! (Ao Vivo) (2002)
• As Meninas no Forró (2003)
• Simpatia pra Curar Homem Valente (2005)
• O Show 2006/2007 (2006)
• Axé retrô (Vol.3) (2025)