Cidade Negra

Cidade Negra is a Brazilian reggae band that formed in 1986 in Rio de Janeiro, merging reggae with soul and rock influences. The band's lyrics often address social, cultural, and philosophical issues. The group initially formed under the name Lumiar but was renamed Cidade Negra due to the existence of another group with the same name. Their first major break came with a documentary by the BBC, which highlighted their music and culture. The group signed with Sony Music and released their debut album Lute Para Viver in 1991, featuring the hit "Falar a Verdade" and a special appearance by Jimmy Cliff. Cidade Negra became the first Latin American act to perform at the Reggae Sunsplash Festival in Montego Bay, Jamaica, in 1992. Toni Garrido joined the group as lead vocalist in 1994 and marked a shift towards a more diversified and pop-oriented sound. The album Sobre Todas as Forças (1994) included hits like "A Sombra da Maldade" and "Pensamento," as well as "Querem Meu Sangue (The Harder They Come)," their cover of the Jimmy Cliff song "The Harder They Come." Their fourth album, O Erê (1996), solidified their success. Quanto Mais Curtido Melhor followed in 1998, along with Hits & Dubs, a compilation album with remixes by prominent reggae and dub artists. The band ventured into pop with Enquanto o Mundo Gira in 2000. After a brief departure, Toni Garrido returned in 2011, and the band released Hei, Afro! in 2012.