Banda Calypso
| Company type | Music group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1999 in Belém, Brazil |
| Founder | Joelma da Silva Mendes, Cledivan Almeida Farias (Mestre Ximbinha) |
| Headquarters | Belém , Brazil |
Area served | Brazil, United States, Europe, Angola |
| Products | Music albums, DVDs |
Number of employees | 2 (vocalist and guitarist/producer) |
Banda Calypso was a Brazilian group specializing in brega pop, merging traditional rhythms from Pará. Established in Belém in 1999 by vocalist and performer Joelma da Silva Mendes alongside guitarist and producer Cledivan Almeida Farias (known as Mestre Ximbinha), the ensemble initially built its audience across Brazil's North and Northeast regions. Subsequently, their popularity broadened nationwide and internationally, leading to tours in the United States, Europe, and Angola.
Although distributors were initially hesitant due to the band's genre and regional roots, Banda Calypso rose to prominence as a top seller of CDs and DVDs throughout the 2000s, moving more than 10 million albums and 5 million DVDs within Brazil. Their musical style fuses Brega pop, Calypso, and diverse Pará rhythms with influences from Cumbia and Merengue.
In 2011, production commenced on This is Calypso – The Movie, which portrays the encounter between Joelma and Ximbinha, the band's creation, and their ascent to stardom. Directed by Caco Souza, the film features Deborah Secco as Joelma; the actor cast as Ximbinha had not yet been revealed.
On 19 August 2015, Joelma and Ximbinha publicly declared their separation but confirmed that Banda Calypso would honor all scheduled shows through December 2015.
Biographies
Cledivan Almeida Farias, who initially performed as Chimbinha and later adopted Ximbinha, hails from Pará and began learning flute at age 12. He revitalized the 'Brega pop' rhythm and emerged as a prominent music producer in Belém by age 18.
Joelma da Silva Mendes, originating from Almeirim in Pará, began her singing career at 19 performing in local nightclubs. She gained wider attention after appearing at the Art and Culture Fair. Prior to her solo efforts, she spent six years with the group Fazendo Arte before recording her debut solo album. At a dinner event hosted by Pará artist Kim Marques, she met Ximbinha, who agreed to produce her album under the stage name Joelma Lins.
The two artists started a romantic relationship and established the band together. Initially aiming to sell 10,000 copies—a significant achievement at that time—Banda Calypso ultimately exceeded 14 million albums sold over thirteen years.
Separation Of The Couple – Joelma & Ximbinha
On 19 August 2015, an official announcement on the band's Facebook page confirmed the end of Joelma and Ximbinha’s partnership without disclosing specific reasons. The message highlighted their eighteen-year relationship, which resulted in two children and numerous collaborative projects, stressing mutual respect and continued professional cooperation. Despite their personal separation, Banda Calypso's planned performances throughout Brazil proceeded until December 2015.
1999–2001: Formation and Volume 1
The band originated in 1999 when Joelma’s solo album was transformed into Banda Calypso, Volume 1. Although Ximbinha held significant regional influence, they faced difficulties securing sponsorships. To initiate their career, Ximbinha produced a limited run of 1,000 CDs that sold out within one week—these copies have since become collectors' items—and arranged concert bookings across Pará.
While their initial focus was on Northern and Northeastern Brazil, a reissued version of the album featuring three additional tracks ('Loirinha', 'Rubi', 'Brega Fo') surpassed 750,000 sales. The track 'Vendaval' gained traction in Belém, extending their popularity throughout the Northeast region. Their concerts achieved considerable success there, particularly with hits like 'Dois Corações' and 'Disse Adeus'.
2001–2002: Ao Vivo ('Live')
After the regional launch of the single Vendaval and other songs, Banda Calypso toured extensively throughout Brazil's Northeast, featuring vocalist Dinho alongside lead singer Joelma. A key performance in Recife resulted in their second album, Banda Calypso Live, which was recorded at Lamb's Exhibition Park in 2000 and released the following year. This live album played a crucial role in expanding their fan base beyond the Northeast, achieving sales exceeding 1.2 million copies and solidifying their national recognition.
The raw live recording included popular tracks such as Loirinha and two carimbó medleys performed by Dinho, who kept the show flowing smoothly during Joelma’s costume changes. The event, hosted by TV personality Gilberto Barros (Lion), helped the group reach new audiences across Brazil.
2002–2003: The Rhythm That Won Brazil!
In 2002, Banda Calypso unveiled their third studio album, The Rhythm That Won Brazil!, which blended romantic ballads like Maridos e Esposas and Desfaz as Malas with upbeat dance numbers including Temporal, Só Vai Dar Eu e Você, and Zouk Love — the latter performed by Dinho and composed by Beto Barbosa. Other standout tracks were Príncipe Encantado and Chamo Por Você. The following year, the band returned to Recife to perform on Rede Globo’s televised event 1ª Festa do São João da Capitá, captivating viewers nationwide with selections from their first three albums.
2003–2004: Volume 4 and Ao Vivo em São Paulo
Their fourth album, titled Banda Calypso, Volume 4, was produced in less than a week and featured the lead single Pra Te Esquecer alongside ballads such as Imagino and Tic Tac. This release demonstrated improved audio production and rhythmic innovation, broadening their appeal to a wider audience. Notably, vocals on the songs Uma Rosa and Maria were delivered by songwriter Edu Luppa rather than Dinho, differing from previous records.
Although piracy issues arose early in Pará leading to legal measures by Joelma and Ximbinha, the album still achieved sales surpassing 900,000 copies. In 2003, they also recorded their inaugural DVD at São Paulo’s Patativa venue before a crowd exceeding 30,000 attendees. Released as Banda Calypso Ao Vivo em São Paulo, this CD/DVD set sold over 700,000 CDs and 600,000 DVDs, marking a major achievement on the national stage.
2004–2005: Volume 6 and Na Amazônia
In November 2004, the group released Banda Calypso, Volume 6, an album that emphasized heartfelt ballads while retaining their trademark dance rhythms. Regarded as a classic within their catalog, it featured hits such as A Lua Me Traiu, Ainda Te Amo, Pra Todo Mundo Ver, and Minha Princesa, dedicated to Joelma and Ximbinha’s newborn daughter Yasmin—whose cries are heard just before the closing chorus. During promotional activities, Joelma experienced a stage accident in Goiânia when her shoe heel broke.
Despite recent prior releases, Volume 6 remained among the top ten best-selling albums across several Brazilian regions for weeks on end, surpassing 950,000 copies sold by late 2005 and earning multiple certifications including Gold, Platinum, Diamond, and Double Diamond.
While continuing their tour commitments for 2004, the band recorded their second DVD titled Calypso na Amazônia. Filmed on November 14, 2004 at Manaus’s Amazon Convention Center before an audience of approximately 50,000 people, the concert paid homage to Gilberto Barros for his early support. Joelma also revisited her earlier career by performing ‘‘Brincou Comigo’’ alongside Kim Marques from her previous group 'Fazendo Arte'. The event concluded emotionally with the song ‘‘Paquera’’. Even before its official release, this DVD became the top-selling title nationwide for that year and achieved Triple Diamond certification. Its lead single ‘‘Pra Te Esquecer’’ outperformed its earlier version; overall, the album’s combination of dance tracks and ballads received widespread acclaim.
The band embarked on their first international tour in early 2005 with performances in the USA, Italy, Portugal, and Sweden. Upon returning to Brazil, they made their debut appearance on Domingão do Faustão aired by Rede Globo. Later that year, four of their albums ranked among Brazil’s top 50 bestsellers while two DVDs placed within the top 20.
2005–2006: Volume 8
October 2005 saw the release of Banda Calypso, Volume 8, which included 17 fresh tracks. This album became their top-selling record, moving 1.8 million units within Brazil and making a notable mark on the national music scene. It earned a nomination for the Latin Grammy Award in the category of 'Best Album of Brazilian Regional Music,' though the award ultimately went to singer Elba Ramalho. The song Tô Carente was later featured on the soundtrack for the 2007 film Ó Paí, O, starring Lázaro Ramos.
2006–2007: Pelo Brasil
Following the success of Volume 8, the band released their third DVD in 2006, capturing live performances from a tour that spanned five key Brazilian cities: Brasília, Rio de Janeiro, Recife, Salvador, and Belém. Additionally, they reissued their compilation album under the title The 20+4, which featured four new songs.
The Calypso Pelo Brasil tour concluded on August 5, 2006, in Belém, followed by a charitable concert the next day at Ibirapuera Gymnasium where they premiered the track This is Calypso. The associated DVD surpassed one million copies sold, becoming the highest-selling music DVD in Brazilian history. Afterwards, the group performed at New York City’s Brazilian Day event alongside prominent Brazilian musicians, entertaining an audience exceeding 1.2 million people.
2007–2008: Volume 10 and Ao Vivo em Goiânia
In 2007, six months after releasing Pelo Brasil, Banda Calypso launched their tenth studio album, Volume 10, which featured collaborations with Leonardo, Bell Marques (frontman of Chiclete com Banana), and Paulo Ricardo. This release blended Axe rhythms with Calypso sounds and included tracks like Chiclete com Calypso, incorporating influences from country music and Tecnobrega genres.
Within just two weeks of its release, Volume 10 sold half a million copies and maintained a position among Brazil's best-selling albums. By December 2008, it ranked within Japan’s top ten best-selling albums alongside international artists such as Nelly Furtado, Madonna, and Rihanna, with total sales surpassing 900,000 units. The band also appeared on Zé Ramalho's album contributing to the track Pássaros Noturnos.
At the end of 2007, they recorded and released the CD/DVD Ao Vivo em Goiânia, primarily featuring new compositions alongside four popular songs from Volume 10. This live recording emphasized romantic ballads such as Muito Além do Prazer and Doce Mel, both written by Maraial & Edu. Although the lead single Arrepiou did not achieve anticipated success, other songs gained significant radio airplay. Despite lower sales compared to earlier releases, this project remained financially successful.
In 2007, Banda Calypso and Zezé Di Camargo & Luciano were acknowledged as Brazil’s most listened-to musical acts. The following year, Calypso collaborated with Paralamas do Sucesso for a Studio Coke Zero session that fused calypso rhythms with rock elements.
2008–2009: Acústico
In 2008, the band introduced Acústico, an acoustic album designed to attract new listeners and signify a fresh artistic direction. It featured reimagined versions of their greatest hits up to that point transformed into ballads, along with six new compositions: 'Paixão Machucada', 'Máquina do Tempo', 'As Horas Teiman', 'Eu Sonhei', 'Lembro de Você', and 'Gritar de Amor'. The album was marketed with special pricing and customized packaging, earning gold certification within that year.
On an international level, Banda Calypso toured across the United States and recorded an English adaptation of their track "Acelerou," titled "Accelerated My Heart." They were also chosen by Angolan audiences to perform at the Angola-Brazil Friendship Day event held in Luanda before an audience of 40,000 people—a performance noted for its social and political importance in strengthening diplomatic ties between the two countries.
Tragedy struck on November 23, 2008, when the band’s private Beechcraft Super King Air aircraft (PT-OSR) crashed near Recife during its final approach due to engine failure likely caused by fuel starvation. Of those aboard ten individuals, two—the pilot and producer—lost their lives.
2009–2010: One Decade Band and Amor Sem Fim
In February 2009, the group took center stage as the main attraction at Pernambuco’s Galo da Madrugada carnival procession, drawing an audience estimated at about 2 million attendees.
That same year, Hipercard was designated as the band's official sponsor. On October 26, both Joelma and Ximbinha received the honorary title of Citizens Pernambucanos from the Legislative Assembly of Pernambuco.
The release of Amor Sem Fim highlighted a variety of musical styles and featured partnerships with Edu & Maraial, David Assayag & Edilson Santana, as well as their daughter Yasmin. The album incorporated gospel-inspired numbers like "Jesus Me Abraçou," Amazonian-themed "Chama Guerreira," and the mother-daughter duet "Luz de Deus." Its lead track "Vida Minha" achieved success on both regional and national charts.
Moving beyond their usual calypso sound, the album embraced genres such as cumbia, carimbó, lambada, sertanejo, baião, forró, and romantic ballads. This debut effort reached sales of 100,000 copies. Noteworthy singles included "Sunday to Saturday," which fused sertanejo with baião rhythms, and "Flame Warrior," blending Amazonian carimbó and bumba-meu-boi with calypso and lambada influences.
2010–2011: 10 Years and Vem Balançar!
To commemorate their designation as Citizens Pernambucanos, the band recorded a DVD celebrating their ten-year milestone on November 6, 2009, outside Chevrolet Hall in Recife. The event featured guest performances from artists such as Maestro Spok, Bruno & Marrone, Fagner, and Voz da Verdade. The DVD had a symbolic premiere on March 14, 2010, during Domingão Faustão and was subsequently released containing all 27 tracks along with two separate CDs.
In February 2010, the band once again took part in Recife's Galo da Madrugada parade and followed up with the album ! Come Swing in March. This release included popular songs like Come Swing and Perdoa. By August, they unveiled the live album Live in Recife, which combined selections from the previous album with three new tracks: The Cure, a Portuguese adaptation of Stand by Me titled Just for Me, and Tá Mentindo.
Shortly thereafter, the CD/DVD titled 10 years—recorded during their Recife performance—was launched to widespread acclaim and is regarded as one of their finest productions. The initial pressing sold over 100,000 copies. The lead single Come Swing enjoyed significant radio airplay across Brazil, placing it among the top 100 country hits. Audiences embraced the album enthusiastically and frequently requested its songs during live shows.
Towards the close of 2010, the group embarked on a European tour.
2011–2012: Meu Encanto
In May 2011, the band introduced their album Meu Encanto, which presented an adventurous blend of styles including African Zouk influences. Tracks such as Isso Não é Amor and Sinônimo de Amor reflected these rhythms while accordion-driven pieces like "Ataque de Leão" fused traditional forró elements with romantic ballads exemplified by "Meus Medos" and Noite Fria Cama Vazia. Key songs featured in this release include the title track "Meu Encanto," Se Pedir um Beijo eu Dou, Doa em Quem Doer, along with a cover of a Leandro & Leonardo song that served as the theme for Rede Globo's miniseries Tapas & Beijos. The album also boasts a collaboration with brega icon Reginaldo Rossi on the track Não Posso Negar que Te Amo.
Officially launched on May 16, 2011, the album was promoted through television appearances on June 5 during Rede Record's Tudo é Possivel program. On that occasion, they debuted the single Meu Encanto and performed Não Posso Negar que Te Amo live alongside Reginaldo Rossi.
2012-2013: Ao Vivo em Angola and Eternos Namorados
The DVD Banda Calypso Ao Vivo in Angola was captured during the International Music Festival held in Sumbe, Angola. Despite facing logistical obstacles, the group was determined to pay tribute to their Angolan fans by recording the performance at the festival.
This collection of 18 tracks encapsulates different stages of their career, showcasing popular songs such as Meu Encanto, Homem Perfeito (El Hombre Perfecto), Ardendo de Amor, and a reinterpretation of Leandro & Leonardo's hit Entre Tapas and Beijos, featuring Ximbinha’s guitar alongside Joelma Mendes’ vocals. Additional notable pieces include Doa em Quem Doer, Te Encontrei, a medley containing Principe Encantado and Me Telefona, as well as the Angola homage "O Som da Africa", which incorporates djembe drums and guest artist Anselmo Ralph.
Released on November 3, 2012, the band's eleventh studio album, Eternos Namorados, comprises 12 songs plus two reimagined versions: a remix of O Que é Que Adianta? and a Spanish adaptation of Perdeu o Trono titled El Perdiste Trono. The album features collaborations such as Amado Batista on Quem Ama não Deixa de Amar, which was included in Rede Record's soap opera Balacobaco, along with tracks like Me Beija Agora featured in Rede Globo's Guerra dos Sexos (2012 TV series). This release also marks Joelma’s debut as a songwriter with the track O Poder de Deus.
2013: Eu Me Rendo and Ao Vivo no Distrito Federal
On June 15, 2013, Banda Calypso unveiled their thirteenth studio album and nineteenth overall, entitled Eu Me Rendo. The album highlights Bachata influences from the Dominican Republic and includes standout songs such as "Eu Me Rendo", "A Festa Começou", and "Malhando com Calypso". It also features reinterpretations like "Abandonada" originally by Fafa de Belém, "Pressentimento" by Fagner, and "Onde Anda Meu Amor" by regional artist Léo Magalhães.
Their seventh DVD was recorded on August 8, 2013, at Ceilândia during the event O maior São João do cerrado in Brasília. The repertoire included selections from the newly released album—Eu Me Rendo, "Me Beija Agora", "The End", "Paris", "A Festa Começou", "Se Joga", and "Quem Ama não Deixa de Amar"—along with major hits from previous works.
2014: Vibrações and 15 Years
Banda Calypso’s fourteenth studio album and twenty-first overall, titled Vibrações, was launched on July 31, 2014. This album contains ten tracks with the title song "Vibrações" serving as the lead single, supported by television promotion of unofficial singles including "The Pat of Calypso" and "Let's Stay Well".
To celebrate their 15-year anniversary, the band recorded a special DVD on November 23 at Clock Square in Belém. The event drew an audience exceeding 80,000 from across Brazil and featured guest performances by Lia Sophia; singer Daniel presenting his new track "My Life is Not Life Without You"; the group Calcinha Preta; pastor Ludmila Ferber; among other local talents. The DVD was planned for release in April 2015.
2015: Spanish album and band dissolution
Joelma and Ximbinha traveled to Miami to commence recording a Spanish-language album under producer Cesar Lemos at Circle House Studios. However, this project was never released due to their separation and the subsequent disbandment of the group. After parting ways, Joelma departed from Banda Calypso in December to embark on a solo career within the same musical genre that had brought her recognition. She adopted the stage name Joelma Calypso, while Ximbinha formed a new band called XCalypso. Internal disputes significantly impacted the band's operations leading up to its conclusion. Banda Calypso officially ceased activities on December 31, 2015, following a New Year's Eve show in Macapá featuring only Joelma as lead performer.
Discography
- Studio albums
- 1999: Volume 1
- 2002: O Ritmo que Conquistou o Brasil!
- 2003: Volume 4
- 2004: Volume 6
- 2005: Volume 8
- 2007: Volume 10
- 2008: Acústico
- 2009: Amor Sem Fim
- 2010: Vem Balançar!
- 2011: Meu Encanto
- 2012: Eternos Namorados
- 2013: Eu Me Rendo
- 2014: Vibrações
- Live albums
- 2001: Ao Vivo
- 2004: Ao Vivo em São Paulo
- 2005: Na Amazônia
- 2006: Pelo Brasil
- 2007: Ao Vivo em Goiânia
- 2009: 10 Anos
- 2010: Ao Vivo em Recife
- 2012: Ao Vivo em Angola
- 2013: Ao Vivo no Distrito Federal
- 2015: 15 Anos
- DVDs
- 2004: Ao Vivo em São Paulo
- 2005: Na Amazônia
- 2006: Pelo Brasil
- 2007: Ao Vivo em Goiânia
- 2009: 10 Anos
- 2012: Ao Vivo em Angola
- 2013: Ao Vivo no Distrito Federal
- 2015: 15 Anos
- Collections & Promotional Releases
- 2003: "Os Maiores Sucessos"
- 2005: "20 Super Sucessos"
- 2006: "As 20+"
- 2007: "100% Calypso"
- 2013: "O Melhor da Banda Calypso"
- Promotional Albums
- 2009: "Banda Calypso Hipercard"
- 2009: "Ao Vivo em Caruaru"
- 2012: "Folia"
Tours
- 1999: Turnê Dançando Calypso
- 2003: Turnê Ao Vivo em São Paulo
- 2004: Turnê Na Amazônia
- 2005: Turnê Isso é Calypso
- '2006': Turnê Calypso Pelo Brasil
- '2007': Turnê Acelerou
- '2008': Turnê Ao Vivo em Goiânia
- '2009': Turnê Amor Sem Fim
- '2009': Turnê 10 Anos
- '2010': Turnê Vem Balançar
- '2011': Turnê Meu Encanto
- '2011': Turnê Angola
- '2012': Turnê 2012
- '2012': Turnê Me Beija Agora
- '2013': Turnê Eternos Namorados
- '2014': Turnê A Festa Começou
- '2015': Turnê 15 Anos