Banda Azul

Origin

Belo Horizonte, MG

Years Active

1986–1995

Genres

contemporary christian music, gospel rock, MPB

Instruments

drums, bass, guitar, keyboards, vocals

Biography

A Banda Azul emerged in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, in 1986, founded by Janires Magalhães Manso, who had also created the group Rebanhão. The band's proposal consisted of blending biblical messages with varied sounds, ranging from rock and MPB to reggae, baião, funk, and pop. The initial lineup featured Janires on vocals, Guilherme Praxedes on keyboards, Moisés di Sousa on bass and vocals, alongside Dudu Batera on drums and Dudu Guitarra on guitar.

In 1987, the ensemble released their debut album, titled "Espelho nos Olhos". However, the group suffered a severe blow in January 1988 with the death of Janires in a tragic car accident. Despite the loss, the members decided to continue with the project, presenting the album at the Palácio das Artes in May of that same year and consolidating their national and international projection, touring countries like Bolivia and recording their second LP, "Fim do Túnel", in 1989.

Throughout their trajectory in the 1990s, the group released other important works, such as "Pelo Sangue", "Louvor, Louvores, Louvorzão", and "Festa no Céu", before initially concluding their activities in 1994. The band later held special reunions, such as at the Mixtocrente event in the year 2000, and announced a return with a new lineup in 2012, including collaborations with artists like Nívea Soares.

Discography

• Espelho nos Olhos (1988)
• Final Do Tunel (1989)
• Pelo Sangue (1993)
• Louvor Louvores Louvorzão (1993)
• Pelo Sangue (Play Back) (1993)
• Louvor Louvores Louvorzão (Ao Vivo) (2000)
• Festa no Céu (2000)
• Miedo de Perderte (2002)
• 20 Exitos (2005)
• Ojala (2005)
• La Sucia (2012)
• Corridos y Canciones Pa la Raza (2013)
• Homenaje a Jose Ontiveros Meza (Pepe) (2015)