Olodum

Origin

Salvador, BA

Years Active

1979

Genres

samba-reggae, axé, percussion, MPB

Instruments

percussion, drums, vocals

Biography

Olodum is a celebrated Brazilian cultural institution and afro block, founded on April 25, 1979, in the Maciel-Pelourinho neighborhood of Salvador, Bahia. Initially created as a leisure option for local residents, the organization quickly expanded its activities to establish itself as an important non-governmental organization for the defense of civil rights, the fight against racial discrimination, and the promotion of Afro-Brazilian culture. Throughout its history, the group has developed various operational branches, including the musical band, the theater group Bando de Teatro Olodum, and educational projects aimed at the community.

Banda Olodum achieved national prominence with the release of its first LP, "Egito Madagascar," in 1987, which featured the major hit "Faraó." Musically led by figures such as Neguinho do Samba and Mestre Jackson, the group was a pioneer in creating the rhythm known as samba-reggae, blending African drumming, reggae, samba, and Latin sounds. The unique percussive sound and strong cultural identity attracted the attention of several renowned artists, resulting in memorable partnerships with names in Brazilian and international music, such as Caetano Veloso and Simone.

Olodum's worldwide recognition was solidified in the 1990s, driven by collaborations of major international impact, such as participation in the album "The Rhythm of the Saints" by American musician Paul Simon and the historic recording of the song "They Don't Care About Us" alongside Michael Jackson, whose music video was partially filmed in Pelourinho. Since then, the group has taken its contagious energy and messages of social awareness to stages around the world, participating in important international events and reaffirming its fundamental role in the dissemination of Afro-Brazilian culture and percussion.

Discography

• Egito Madagáscar (1987)
• Núbia Axum Etiópia (1988)
• 10 Anos - Do Nordeste do Saara ao Nordeste Brasileiro (1989)
• Da Atlântida à Bahia... o Mar É o Caminho (1991)
• A Música do Olodum (1992)
• A Música do Olodum Banda Reggae (1992)
• O Movimento (1993)
• Filhos Do Sol (1994)
• Menino Dourado (1994)
• Rosa (1994)
• Cartão Postal (1994)
• Sol e Mar Olodum Ao Vivo em Montreux (1995)
• Roma Negra (1996)
• Liberdade (1997)
• A Música do Olodum - 20 Anos (1999)
• Pela Vida (2002)
• 25 Anos de Samba Reggae Ao Vivo (2007)
• Vale dos Reis: As Sete Portas da Energia (2012)
• Bloco Olodum: Samba, Futebol, Alegria (2014)
• Sia | Pusha T | Olodum – Unstoppable (Perfect Isn't Pretty Mix - Ariel Rechtshaid Version) (2016)
• Banda Olodum (2018)
• Axé Retrô (12+) (2025)
• Macaco Sessions (2025)
• Latin Essentials