Baianas Ozadas

Origin

Belo Horizonte, MG

Years Active

2012

Genres

axé music, samba-reggae, música baiana, carnaval

Instruments

percussão, bateria, vocal

Biography

Baianas Ozadas is a carnival block and musical band born in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, in 2012. Founded by Geo Ozado, who is from Bahia, the group emerged spontaneously when a group of friends dressed up as baianas and gatecrashed other carnival blocks in the city. The proposal was to bring the musicality and joy of Bahia's carnival to the heart of Minas Gerais, which quickly won over the public and made the block grow exponentially. In a short time, what started as a wing became one of the largest and most influential carnival blocks in Belo Horizonte, drawing crowds and becoming a reference in the city's festivities. The group is known for its repertory that celebrates axé music, but also explores other Bahian rhythms, paying homage to great names like Luiz Caldas, Dorival Caymmi, Caetano Veloso, Gilberto Gil, and afro blocks like Olodum and Timbalada.

The visual identity of Baianas Ozadas is striking, with all members, men and women, wearing skirts, turbans, and baiana necklaces, in a humorous and peculiar reverence to the traditional acarajé baianas. This aesthetic, combined with the contagious energy of the percussion ensemble and the vocalists, creates a unique spectacle that attracts hundreds of thousands of revelers annually. The block also stands out for its strong connection to Afro-Bahian ancestry, performing rituals like the washing of the steps of the São José Church in Belo Horizonte, alluding to the Lavagem do Bonfim in Salvador. This practice reinforces respect and the appreciation of cultural and religious roots.

Throughout its trajectory, Baianas Ozadas has been an important agent in building and strengthening the carnival of Belo Horizonte, which has undergone a renaissance in recent decades. The group not only entertains, but also promotes important discussions about respect, equality, and combating intolerance, especially regarding female strength and diversity. With a professional structure and a dedicated team, Baianas Ozadas continues to expand its influence, consolidating itself as one of the greatest phenomena of the Brazilian carnival and an ambassador of Bahian culture in Minas Gerais, engaging with artists like Serginho Marques and promoting social inclusion in its parades.