Banda Black Rio was formed in 1976 by the late Oberdan (Oberdan Magalhães). Characterized by a sound in which rhythm & blues served as the vehicle for danceable variations incorporating the gafieira style, samba, and jazz.
Being one of the pioneers of a new music genre that began to fuse samba with soul music, Banda Black Rio was also among the leaders of a new social and cultural movement called Movimento Black Rio, which was inspired by the African-American Civil Rights Movement.
Together with other bands and music artists such as Black Power, Soul Power, Tim Maia and Toni Tornado, Banda Black Rio and the Black Rio Movement revolutionised Brazil’s, especially Rio de Janeiro’s, music scene.
Now led by William Magalhães, son of Oberdan Magalhães, the band have shown to fans that the original concept is still very much alive and kicking.