Lazão

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Also known as

Marcos Lazão, Marco Antônio Lázaro da Cruz

Years active

1974–present

Genres

reggae, roots reggae, ragga muffin, dub, MPB, rock, soul

Instruments

drums, percussion, vocals

Biography

Marcos Lazão, widely known as Lazão, is a pivotal figure in Brazilian reggae, primarily recognized as the founding drummer, percussionist, and backing vocalist of the iconic band Cidade Negra. His musical journey began in 1974, playing percussion in a carnival bloco in Rio de Janeiro. Lazão's early exposure to music was diverse, influenced by his father's taste for artists like Orlando Silva and Bill Haley, as well as rock and soul music from DJs Monsieur Lima and Big Boy. This eclectic foundation, combined with his passion for poetry, shaped his songwriting.

Lazão's career with Cidade Negra, which he co-founded in 1986 in Belford Roxo, Rio de Janeiro, spans over three decades. He has been instrumental in crafting many of the band's biggest hits, contributing to their unique sound that blends reggae with Brazilian rhythms and social commentary. His songwriting prowess is evident in classics such as "Pensamento," "Downtown," and "A Estrada." Throughout his tenure with Cidade Negra, Lazão collaborated with a diverse range of Brazilian artists, including Marcos Valle, Zé Ramalho, and MV Bill, further cementing his influence within the national music scene.

In recent years, Lazão has embarked on a solo career, showcasing his multifaceted talents as a singer and composer. His solo work delves deeper into his personal artistic vision, focusing on original compositions with organic arrangements and lyrics that address social and existential themes. This new phase allows him to reaffirm his identity as a protagonist of his own musical story, while staying true to the roots reggae, ragga muffin, and dub influences that have defined his career. His solo endeavors celebrate his enduring legacy and continue to spread messages of love, peace, and social consciousness, resonating with new generations of listeners.