Karnak

Origin

São Paulo, SP

Genres

alternative rock, pop rock, world music

Instruments

guitar, vocals, keyboards, saxophone, drums

Biography

Karnak is a Brazilian alternative rock band formed in São Paulo in 1992 by singer, guitarist, and songwriter André Abujamra, following the end of his previous duo Os Mulheres Negras. Inspired by a worldwide trip where Abujamra collected diverse musical references, the group emerged with a large and fluid lineup incorporating traditional and modern Brazilian sounds, pop, rock, and electronic elements, complemented by theatrical stage performances and improvisational comedy. Their self-titled debut album, released in 1995, gained critical acclaim and featured notable guest appearances from artists such as Chico César, Tom Zé, and Lulu Santos, eventually earning recognition from international publications like Rolling Stone.

Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, the band expanded their international reach with tours across the Americas and Europe, releasing subsequent studio albums including Universo Umbigo in 1997 and Estamos Adorando Tóquio in 2000. Despite a temporary hiatus announced in late 2002 due to Abujamra's health concerns, Karnak continued to perform periodically and returned to active status, later premiering the rock opera Nikodemus in 2018 to celebrate their twenty-sixth anniversary. Their eclectic musical style and theatrical ethos placed them among the most innovative groups in the Brazilian alternative scene alongside contemporaries like Paulo Miklos and Paulinho Moska.