Get to know the band
Arandu Arakuaa, a band formed by NáJila Cristina (Vocals/Maraca), Zândhio Aquino (Guitar/Brazilian Viola/Vocals/Indigenous Instruments/Keyboard), Saulo Lucena (Bass/Backing Vocals/Maraca), Adriano Ferreira (Drums/Percussion), is the first Heavy Metal band to sing in Tupi-Guarani.
The band, which also uses the Xerente and Xavante languages, draws inspiration from the legends, rituals, and struggles of Brazil's Indigenous Peoples. Founder Zândhio spoke to the BBC about the group's cultural diversity: “Our vocalist's strength is guttural vocals, an aggressive technique uncommon for women. I sing like a shaman, with a hoarser voice, and we also have a Black drummer. Besides myself, who was born in the North and is of Indigenous descent, we have members who are children of Northeasterners.”
The guitarist says the band faced resistance from Metal fans: “I encountered resistance from the beginning because of my background and my commitment to speaking about indigenous culture. Many people don't understand this and think we stray too far from the essence of the style.”
Furthermore, the musician commented that the band likes Sepultura, but doesn't let them get away with anything; according to Zândhio, "Roots" only has indigenous references on the album cover and in one of the tracks.
The band's latest CD, released in 2015, also includes tracks in Xavante and one in Portuguese. As with previous albums, it shows influences of Death Metal and Thrash. Check out the video for one of the tracks, Hêwaka Waktû :
