Raça Negra

Origin

São Paulo, SP

Also known as

Raca

Years Active

1983–presente

Genres

samba, pagode, pagode romântico

Instruments

acoustic guitar, pandeiro, brass, synthesizers

Biography

Raça Negra is a Brazilian samba and pagode musical group formed in 1983 in the outskirts of the East Zone of São Paulo, more precisely in the Vila Nhocuné neighborhood. Originally conceived as a trio formed by Luiz Carlos, Paulinho, and Fena under the name "A Cor do Samba", the ensemble adopted its definitive moniker at the suggestion of patrons at Bar do Coalhada. Throughout the 1980s, they shaped their repertoire by interpreting samba classics and adapting hits by major names in Brazilian music such as Tim Maia, Jorge Ben Jor, and Cassiano, before establishing themselves as a septet signed to the RGE record label.

The major turning point in the band's career occurred in the early 1990s, when they introduced brass arrangements and synthesizers to traditional samba instrumentation, becoming the main pioneers and the greatest exponent of romantic pagode. Their debut album, released in 1991, brought immediate hits like "Caroline" and "Quero Ver Você Chorar", paving the way for their commercial peak in the following years with memorable hits like "Cigana", "É Tarde Demais", and the absolute classic "Cheia de Manias". With an impressive record of over 16 million albums sold, the group broke radio airplay records and gathered historic crowds at performances across Brazil and abroad, such as the emblematic concert at Vale do Anhangabaú in 1995.

In the following decades, Raça Negra managed to reinvent themselves in the face of transformations in the music industry, releasing thematic projects such as a tribute to Jovem Guarda, in addition to audiovisual innovations and partnerships with new generations of artists. The ensemble's cultural and timeless relevance was reaffirmed in 2022 with the project O Mundo Canta Raça Negra and, subsequently, in 2024, when their music accompanied the routine of gymnast Júlia Soares at the Paris Olympic Games. Remaining active and revered, the group continues as one of the fundamental pillars of Brazilian popular culture.

Discography

• Banda Raça Negra (1991)
• Vol. 1 (1991)
• Banda Raça Negra Volume 2 (1992)
• Banda Raça Negra (1992)
• Será (1992)
• É o Amor (1992)
• Vol. 3 (1992)
• Raça Negra (1993)
• Ciúme de Você (1993)
• Vol. 4 (1993)
• Raça Negra (1994)
• Vol. 5 (1994)
• Raça Negra (1995)
• Ao Vivo (1995)
• Vol. 6 (1995)
• Ao Vivo - Vol. 1 (1995)
• Ao Vivo - Vol. 2 (1995)
• Raça Negra (1996)
• Vol. 7 (1996)
• 8 (1997)
• Vol. 8 (1997)
• 9 (1998)
• Vol. 9 (1998)
• Ao Vivo (1999)
• Vem pra Ficar (2000)
• Perdoa (2001)
• Samba Jovem Guarda (2002)
• A Vida por um Beijo (2003)
• Ao Vivo (2004)
• Vol. 23 (2006)
• Canta Jovem Guarda (2007)
• Canta Jovem Guarda II (2009)
• Canta Jovem Guarda Vol. 02 (2009)
• Boa Sorte (2010)
• Volume 36 (2011)
• Raça Negra & Amigos (2012)
• Gigantes do Samba (Ao Vivo) (2014)
• O Rei Do Baile (2015)
• Raça Negra & Amigos II (2017)
• Raça Negra Sessions (2019)
• O Mundo Canta Raça Negra (Ao Vivo) (2022)
• O Mundo Canta Raça Negra, Vol. 1 (Ao Vivo) (2022)
• O Mundo Canta Raça Negra, Vol. 2 (Ao Vivo) (2022)
• 25 Anos
• As 20+ Acústico