Bixiga 70

Bixiga 70

Bixiga 70 is a Brazilian ten-piece instrumental group from São Paulo, active since 2010. The band is known for a horn-led sound that draws on afrobeat, jazz and jazz fusion, alongside Brazilian and African rhythms.

Origin and name

The group takes its name from Bixiga, a neighbourhood in central São Paulo, and from the recording studio Traquitana, located at number 70 on Rua 13 de Maio, where the band begins. The Bixiga area is known for its mix of Italian, African and north-eastern Brazilian influences, which reflects the cultural setting around the group’s formation.

Music and style

Bixiga 70 forms from musicians with backgrounds in São Paulo’s avant-garde pop, jazz, dub and Brazilian scenes. Its music blends afrobeat with Guinean malinké, Brazilian candomblé, samba and cumbia, and it takes inspiration from Fela Kuti’s Afrika 70 both in name and in approach. The group is also described as one of the leading acts in contemporary Afro-Brazilian music.

Releases and recognition

The band’s self-titled first album is released in Brazil in 2011 and appears on several end-of-year best-of lists, including those from Brazilian Rolling Stone and MTV. Bixiga 70 is also considered a key name in the growing Brazilian afro scene.

Collaborations

The group shares stages with Tony Allen, Seun Kuti & Egypt 80, and Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra.

Members

The group includes Douglas Antunes, Cuca Ferreira, Daniel Gralha and Daniel Nogueira.