BaianaSystem
- Origin
- Salvador, BA
- Years active
- 2009
- Genres
- afro rock, reggae, samba-reggae, ijexá, mpb, afrobeat, pagode baiano
- Instruments
- guitarra baiana, synthesizer, percussion drum kit, bass guitar, vocals
Biography
Founded in 2009 in Salvador, Bahia, BaianaSystem is a pioneering musical collective that revolutionized the sound of the 'guitarra baiana' (Bahian guitar) by merging it with the Jamaican sound system culture. The group was conceptualized by guitarist Roberto Barreto, who aimed to explore new sonic possibilities for the traditional instrument using electronic bases. Alongside vocalist Russo Passapusso and bassist SekoBass, the project developed a high-energy fusion of Afro-rock, reggae, and traditional Bahian rhythms such as ijexá and samba-reggae. Their visual identity, led by artist Filipe Cartaxo, is known for its iconic masks and graphic motifs that foster a deep connection with their audience during live performances and their famous "Navio Pirata" carnival truck.
The group achieved significant international recognition in 2016 when their track "Playsom" was featured on the FIFA 16 soundtrack. This song was part of their critically acclaimed second album, 'Duas Cidades', produced by Daniel Ganjaman. BaianaSystem's cultural impact was further solidified in 2019 with the release of 'O Futuro Não Demora', which won the Latin Grammy for Best Portuguese Language Rock or Alternative Album. Throughout their career, they have collaborated with legendary Brazilian figures including Gilberto Gil, BNegão, and Pepeu Gomes, consistently pushing the boundaries of contemporary Brazilian music.