Leão de Judah

Origin

Porto Alegre, RS

Also known as

Leoes de Judah

Years active

1997

Genres

reggae

Instruments

voice, guitar, bass, drums, percussion, sampler, electronic drums, keyboard, rhythm guitar, lead guitar, mandolin

Biography

Leão de Judah is a reggae band formed in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, in 1997. Initially, the group was called Sound-Batê-Papo and featured Zé Fernandes, Paulo Gigante, and Luís Júnior, exploring a varied repertoire that included rock and bossa nova. The shift to reggae happened after the members came into contact with Jamaican culture and Rastafari philosophy.

With the addition of Milson, Nicola, and Luciano, the band adopted the name Leão de Judah, a reference to the Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie, an important figure for Rastafarians. In 1999, the group participated in the Radar Show Reggae event, promoted by TVE gaúcha, and also joined the CD "Tri legal reggae", alongside other bands from Rio Grande do Sul such as Produto Nacional and Motivos Óbvios.

Leão de Judah's lyrics are inspired by ideals of equality, respect for nature, and social commitment, which are characteristics of Rastafari philosophy. In addition to original songs, the band's repertoire includes reinterpretations of major reggae names, such as Bob Marley and Israel Vibration. The group released the album "Preserve o Presente" and participated in various compilation albums, consolidating their presence in the Brazilian reggae scene.