Babado Novo

One of the most popular axé groups of Brazil, Babado Novo takes a pop romântico approach to the style. Formed in 2001 in Salvador, Bahia, Babado Novo was originally comprised of Cláudia Leitte (vocals), Sérgio Rocha (musical director, guitar), Buguelo (drums), Alan Moraes (bass), Luciano Pinto (keyboards), Nino Bala (percussion), and Durval Luz (percussion). The band released its self-titled debut album in 2003 and scored a major hit with "Amor Perfeito"; other hits from Babado Novo include "Canudinho" and "Cai Fora." In the midst of this breakthrough success, Universal Music signed Babado Novo and released the band's second album, Sem Vergonha (2003). A live CD/DVD, Uau! Ao Vivo em Salvador (2004), followed and became the band's best-selling album to date. Reflecting the superstar status of the band's lead vocalist, O Diário de Claudinha (2005) shone the spotlight on Leitte more than past albums; it includes the major hit "Bola de Sabão." Like its predecessors, Babado Novo's next album, Ver-Te Mar (2007), proved popular, spawning the hit "Pensando em Você." Carlinhos Brown notably co-wrote a couple songs for the album, including the title track. That would be the final album with Leitte, who parted ways with the group in 2008 to pursue a highly-successful solo career. During a transitionary period, two new vocalists were recruited (Guga de Paula and Igor Di Ferreira) for the release of 2010's Tudo Novo no Babado Novo. Both singers would eventually leave as well. In early 2012, Babado Novo debuted their new vocalist, Mari Antunes. A steady string of EPs, singles, and live releases were issued in the years that followed, including 2019's high-profile reunion duet with Leitte, "Pode Entrar." ~ Jason Birchmeier