Negril

Origin

Belford Roxo, RJ

Years active

1980s

Genres

reggae, pop-reggae, funk, samba, maracatu

Biography

The Negril group emerged in Belford Roxo, in the Baixada Fluminense region, in the early 1980s, establishing itself as an important reggae band in the Brazilian music scene. The band had its origins in the group KMD5, which included Marcelo Yuka and Lauro Farias, who would later form O Rappa. After changing their name to Negril, inspired by the Jamaican beach, the band sought a sound that merged reggae with influences from funk, samba, and maracatu, creating a unique sonic identity.

Negril gained national notoriety with the release of their self-titled debut CD, recorded in 1996 by Polygram and championed by Herbert Vianna, of Os Paralamas do Sucesso. Vianna's production was fundamental to the group's recognition, as they went on to open shows for major names in Brazilian music, such as Cidade Negra, Skank, and Djavan. Negril's characteristic sound, featuring lyrics addressing social and existential themes, won over a loyal audience and opened doors for the band at festivals and concert venues across the country.

Throughout its trajectory, Negril released albums such as "A Outra Margem do Rio", which reaffirmed the proposal of contemporary reggae with a strong Brazilian accent. The band is recognized for its engaging musicality and its ability to transition between more traditional reggae and rhythmic experimentations, always maintaining the quality and originality of its compositions. Negril represents a milestone in the history of national reggae, influencing generations of musicians and cementing Baixada Fluminense as a breeding ground for musical talent.