Mambembe

Origin

Belo Horizonte, MG

Years Active

1974–1982

Genres

MPB, samba, choro, maxixe

Biography

Grupo Mambembe was a musical collective formed in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, in 1974. Operating during a period of intense political repression in Brazil, the group used music and poetry as a form of expression and resistance, taking their art to peripheral neighborhoods, labor unions, and public squares. Their career, which lasted until 1982, left a mark on the music scene of Minas Gerais and the nation with an original repertoire that addressed Brazilian reality in a lyrical and metaphorical way.

Composed of various musicians and singers throughout its existence, Mambembe featured artists such as Cadinho Faria, Murilo Albernaz, Toninho Camargos, Miguel Queiroz, Cláudia Sampaio Costa, Rogério Leonel da Costa, Lina Amaral, Aldo Fernandes, Edson Aquino, Antônio Martins, and Titane. The group stood out for shows such as "De Xica a Xico – pequena história da MPB de Chiquinha Gonzaga a Chico Buarque" and "Conversa de Botequim – Filosofia de Cerveja", in addition to participating in important musical projects of the era.

The work of Grupo Mambembe was revived in a book and CD, which reproduce the repertoire of the self-titled LP released in 1981, as well as unreleased tracks and recordings of performances. The song "Rio Araguaia", composed by Cadinho Faria and Toninho Camargos, is one of the highlights, poetically referring to the Araguaia Guerrilla. The group was also responsible for launching talents such as the singer Titane and the flutist Miguel Queiroz, cementing their legacy in Brazilian popular music.

Discography

• Mambembe (1975)