Exaltasamba
| Company type | Music group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1982 |
| Headquarters | São Bernardo do Campo , Brazil |
| Products | Albums, live performances |
| Website | www |
Exalta, previously known as Exaltasamba, is a Brazilian pagode ensemble that originated in 1982 in São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo. Starting their journey by performing in local bars and eateries, they launched their first album, Eterno Amanhecer, in 1992. Their major success arrived with the albums Luz do Desejo (1996) and Desliga e Vem (1997), both earning Double Platinum certifications. In 2003, acclaimed singer Thiaguinho became part of the group, helping to sustain their album production. Marking their 25th anniversary in 2010 with fresh releases, the band dissolved in 2012 as prominent members embarked on solo endeavors. They recommenced activities after 2016, featuring original percussionists alongside new vocalists.
History
Exaltasamba was established in 1982 in São Bernardo do Campo and initially performed within the local scene. Early recognition came through supporting Jovelina Pérola Negra and winning the Popular Music Festival of São Bernardo do Campo. Their initial recordings included a track on the compilation Chopapo (1991), followed by their debut album Eterno Amanhecer (1992), which contained "Quero Sentir de Novo" and a guest appearance by Royce do Cavaco.
The release of Encanto in 1994 boosted their visibility, propelled by the track "24 Horas De Amor." Their commercial breakthrough was solidified with EMI-Odeon's release of Luz do Desejo (1996), which sold 750,000 copies and featured national hits such as "Telegrama" and "Luz Do Desejo." The subsequent album, Desliga e Vem (1997), surpassed one million copies sold and included "Caixinha de Felicidade," performed on Planeta Xuxa.
Following up with Cartão Postal in 1998, the album also reached one million sales, led by the radio-dominant single "Eu Me Apaixonei Pela Pessoa Errada" during early 1999. Later projects included Mais Uma Vez (2000), featuring collaborations with artists like Jorge Aragão, and the live recording Exaltasamba Ao Vivo (2002), which was notable for its early adoption of anti-piracy technology.
When vocalist Chrigor Lisboa departed at the end of 2002 for personal reasons, Thiaguinho joined the group in 2003, initiating the release of Alegrando A Massa. The band increased its media presence with the DVD Todos Os Sambas Ao Vivo (2006) and albums such as Livre Pra Voar (2007), which contained a hit single that achieved significant digital download numbers.
Their 2009 live album Ao Vivo Na Ilha Da Magia earned a Latin Grammy nomination for Best Samba/Pagode Album. In celebration of their 25th anniversary in 2010, they recorded the live album 25 Anos, performing before an audience of 35,000 at Estádio Palestra Itália, featuring collaborations with notable artists including Chitãozinho & Xororó and Mr. Catra.
By 2012, founding member Péricles along with Thiaguinho had pursued solo careers, resulting in the group's initial breakup. Percussionists Thell and Brilhantina expressed their desire to uphold Exaltasamba’s heritage. In 2015, former vocalists Pericles, Pinha, Thiaguinho, and Chrigor toured under the name "A Gente Faz a Festa," but disputes emerged regarding rights to use the Exaltasamba name.
Following legal clarification that confirmed Thell and Brilhantina as rightful owners of Exaltasamba's brand, a relaunch was undertaken with three new vocalists: Romero Ribeiro—chosen from finalists of "The Voice Brazil"; Jeffinho from "Estilo de Ser"; and Nego Branco, selected by fans. Jeffinho has announced intentions to commence a solo career starting April 2025.
Current lineup
- Thell – tan-tan (1986–2012, 2016–Present)
- Brilhantina – cavaquinho (1986–November 2011, 2016–Present)
- Magrão – Lead Vocals (2018–Present)
- Jeffinho – Vocals and Pandeiro (2016–Present)
Former members
- Nego Branco – Vocals and Banjo (2016–2018)
- Romero Ribeiro – Vocals and Banjo (2016–2017)
- Péricles – Original lead vocalist and banjo player (1986–2012)
- Thiaguinho – Second lead vocalist and banjo (2003–2012)
- Pinha – repique player (1986–2012)
- Izaías – Classical guitar musician (1986–2006)
- Chrigor – Vocals and pandeiro (1993–2002)
- Marquinhos – tan-tan performer (1986–2001)
Albums by Exaltasamba
| Year | Album Title | Format | Record Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 | Eterno Amanhecer | LP and CD | Kaskata's Records |
| 1994 | Encanto | LP and CD | Kaskata's Records |
| 1996 | Luz do Desejo | LP and CD | EMI-Odeon |
| 1997 | Desliga e Vem | LP and CD | EMI-Odeon |
| 1998 | Cartão Postal | CD | EMI-Odeon |
| 2000 | Mais uma Vez | CD | EMI-Music |
| 2001 | Bons Momentos | CD | EMI |
| 2002 | Exaltasamba Ao Vivo | CD | EMI |
| 2003 | Alegrando a Massa | CD | EMI |
| 2005 | Esquema Novo | CD | EMI |
| 2006 | Todos os Sambas Ao Vivo | CD and DVD | EMI |
| 2007 | Livre pra Voar | CD | EMI |
| 2007 | Ao Vivo Pagode do Exalta | CD and DVD | EMI |
| 2009 | Ao Vivo Na Ilha da Magia | CD and DVD | EMI |
| 2010 | Roda de Samba do Exalta | CD | Som Livre |
| 2010 | Exaltasamba 25 Anos Ao Vivo | LP, CD and DVD | Som Livre, Radar Records |
| 2011 | Tá Vendo Aquela Lua | CD | Radar Records |
| 2012 | Multishow Ao Vivo – Despedida | ||
| 2016 | O Mundo Tá Girando |
Individual Albums
- Péricles
- Péricles – Ao Vivo em Recife (2012) – Debut solo album from former Exaltasamba vocalist Péricles Faria.
- Sensaçoes (2012) – Initial solo DVD/Blu-ray release.
- Nos Arcos Da Lapa (2013)
- Feito Pra Durar (2015)
- Deserto da Ilusão (2017)
- Em Sua Direção (2018)
- Thiaguinho
- Refer to Thiaguinho (singer)#Discography
- Chrigor
- Trilha Sonora
- Quem Me Conhece Sabe Quem Eu Sou
- Pinha Presidente
- O Nosso Presidente
Notable Hits
- "Quero Sentir De Novo"
- "24 Horas De Amor"
- "Telegrama"
- "Me Apaixonei Pela Pessoa Errada"
- "Megastar"
- "Eu Você Sempre" (featuring Jorge Aragão)
- "Choro De Alegria" (featuring Zeca Pagodinho)
- "Estrela"
- "Faz Falta"
- "Valeu"
- "Tá Vendo Aquela Lua"
- "Viver Sem Ti" (featuring Mariana Rios)
Honors
- Troféu Raça Negra
| Year | Category | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Best Pagode Group | Won |
| Year | Category | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Best Music Set | Won |
| Year | Category | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Latin Grammy Award for Best Samba/Pagode Album | Won |
- Multishow Prize of Brazilian Music
| Year | Category | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Best Group (popular vote) | Won |