Lazzo Matumbi

Origin

Salvador, BA

Also known as

Lazzo Lazzo, Lázaro Jerônimo Ferreira, Lazinho do Ilê, Lazinho Diamante Negro

Years Active

1978

Genres

samba-reggae, axé, bahian black music, afoxé, MPB

Instruments

vocals, atabaque

Biography

Lazzo Matumbi is one of the central figures of Black Bahian music and one of the precursors of samba-reggae. Born Lázaro Jerônimo Ferreira in Salvador, he began his musical journey in childhood, accompanying samba circles and playing the atabaque in Baixa do Gantois. His prominence began as a singer for the Afro-descendant bloc Ilê Aiyê between the years 1978 and 1980, embarking on a solo career shortly thereafter with the artistic name that combines a childhood nickname with a Yoruba term designating a sacred stone.

Throughout his career, Lazzo established himself as an artist with a strong social and activist stance. In response to songs of the era that belittled Black aesthetics, such as hits by Luiz Caldas, Lazzo composed, in partnership with Jorge Portugal, the classic "A Alegria da Cidade". The song became an anthem of affirmation of Black identity, originally recorded by Margareth Menezes. In addition to his melodic contribution, the singer innovated at the Salvador Carnival by being one of the pioneers in leading cordless blocks, seeking to democratize access to the festivities.

His discography includes emblematic albums such as "Atrás do Pôr do Sol" (1988), which features the hit "Me Abraça e Me Beija". The recognition of his importance to Brazilian culture was crowned with the Senador Abdias Nascimento Commendation, awarded by the Federal Senate, celebrating his role in the defense of Afro-Brazilian culture. With a powerful and striking voice, Lazzo Matumbi remains a fundamental reference for contemporary Bahian and Brazilian music.

Discography

• Atras do por do Sol (1988)
• Vol. 1 (2019)
• Vol. 2 (2020)
• Àjò (2021)