Art Popular

Art Popular emerged as a neo-pagode ensemble under the direction of skilled musician and composer Leandro Lehart, whose compositions had already reached Alcione along with additional interpreters. The outfit achieved comparable levels of marketplace triumph and skepticism over its genuineness. Its sound blended romantic pagode with measured infusions of pop and global influences, among them flamenco passages and electronica textures. The debut release, O Canto da Razão (1993), proved an immediate commercial triumph by moving 170,000 units. Follow-up album Nova Era delivered multiple successes, among them “Valeu Demais,” “Bom-Bocado,” “Iraê,” and “Nova Era,” securing both gold and platinum certifications. Next came Temporal, propelled by strong tracks such as “Nani,” “Vestida de Louca,” and “Trapaça.” Sambapopbrasil 2 incorporated guest contributions from Billy Paul and Take Six while incorporating an electronica orientation. In 2001 Lehart departed to pursue an independent path.