Negritude Junior

Origin

Carapicuíba, SP

Years active

1986–presente

Genres

pagode, samba

Instruments

cavaquinho, violão, percussão, voz

Biography

Negritude Júnior is a renowned pagode group from São Paulo, founded in 1986 in the city of Carapicuíba. Originally created by Nenê, Wagninho, and Claudinho—who met at the Camisa Verde e Branco samba school—the band began its journey when its members were still teenagers living in Cohab Carapicuíba. Success began to take shape after they won a music contest, which led them to participate in a compilation album and, subsequently, to release their first independent LP, entitled Jeito de Seduzir, through the Zimbabwe record label.

The period of greatest commercial glory for the group occurred throughout the 1990s, driven by albums that placed several hits on the charts and achieved significant certifications such as gold, platinum, and double platinum records. Memorable songs like "Conto de Fadas", "Beijo Geladinho", "Absoluta", and "Cohab City" became anthems of romantic pagode of the era. The classic lineup featured names such as Netinho de Paula, Nenê, Wagninho, Claudinho, Feijão, Chambourcy, Ari, Lino, and Fabinho, and the group maintained a close relationship with historical samba figures like Almir Guineto.

Over the years, the group underwent some lineup changes, most notably the departure of Netinho de Paula in 2001 to pursue his television career, followed by later shifts involving side projects. Despite transformations and the temporary departure of members due to health reasons, Negritude Júnior maintained its legacy by recording live albums and staying active in the Brazilian music scene. Their strong sound and aesthetic identity dialogued directly with other major names of the genre, consolidating the importance of São Paulo's pagode on the national stage.