Ara Ketu

Ara Ketu originated as a Carnival bloco bearing the identical name and came into existence in 1980. Long before the ensemble attained recognition inside Brazil, its lively, rhythm-driven fusion of Afro-Bahian percussion and electronic elements, delivered by musicians clad in vibrant attire, earned enthusiastic audiences across Europe. The lineup eventually incorporated vocalist Tatau together with a horn section, expanding to as many as twelve members. From the outset the collective pursued an ongoing investigation into traditional African musical forms while maintaining contact with Brazilian and global pop currents. This foundation soon led to extensive touring throughout Europe, Latin America, and the United States, where the group drew admiration from former Talking Heads frontman David Byrne and producer Quincy Jones.

Their debut album, Ara Ketu, appeared in 1992 on the English independent label Seven Gates and circulated exclusively on the European market, where it moved 40,000 units and earned the Caymmi trophy in Bahia for Best Band of 1994. After completing another European trek the musicians signed with EMI-Odeon in 1993 and cut Ara Ketu de Periperi. Shifting to Sony Music, they issued Ara Ketu Bom Demais in 1994; its title track became a nationwide success, securing the Bahia Folia and Troféu Dodô e Osmar awards, naming the group Revelation of the Year and bestowing the same distinction upon Tatau as Revelation Singer. The record surpassed 210,000 copies, attained gold status, and paved the way for 120 shows across Brazil.

Ara Ketu Dez followed in 1995, selling more than 450,000 copies to earn gold and platinum certifications while supporting over 200 concerts nationwide. The releases helped the original bloco capture the Troféu Bahia Folia for Best Traditional Bloco and Best Costume plus the Troféu Dodô e Osmar for Best Costume and Best Singer. In 1996 Dividindo Alegria moved 300,000 units, again receiving gold and platinum honors, and the accompanying production was staged that year at the Brazilian Music Festival held in New York’s Central Park. Ara Ketu Prá Lá De Bom earned another gold plaque in 1997. Ara Ketu Ao Vivo reached two million copies in 1998, accumulating gold, platinum, double-platinum, and diamond awards, while Ara Ketu E O Povo Ao Vivo De Novo surpassed 300,000 sales and secured platinum certification the following year.