Diamantes Negros

Os Diamantes Negros is a Portuguese musical ensemble founded in Sintra in 1964. The group was honored with the Silver Medal of Merit by the Sintra City Council for its cultural contributions.

History and Trajectory

• Foundation: Established on January 25, 1964, in Sintra.
• Initial Phase (1964–1976): The group stood out as a performance and ballroom band, making a significant impact with a fresh sound compared to the local scene at the time. Aged between 15 and 18, they primarily performed hits by The Shadows, The Beatles, and The Beach Boys.
• Dissolution: Following numerous line-up changes over the years, the ensemble disbanded in early 1976.
• Comeback (2000s): After several decades of inactivity, the band returned to the stage in 2003.

Original Formation (1964)

• Carlos José Paulo Santos (“Caínhas”): Drums
• Carlos Rodrigues: Saxophone
• Álvaro José Silvestre: Guitar
• Carlos Henriques (“Xixó”): Guitar
• Luís Manuel Silva Cardoso (“Lismanel”): Bass guitar (joined in December 1964)

Comeback Formation (2003)

• Caínhas: Drums
• Xixó: Lead guitar and vocals
• Luís Manuel: Rhythm guitar and vocals
• Jaime Pereira: Bass and vocals

Notable Highlights

In March 2003, the group made a high-profile return at the Olga Cadaval Cultural Center during the show “A Journey to the ’60s.” A standout moment of the performance was the closing of the first act with “Yellow Submarine,” where they were accompanied by members of the Sociedade União Sintrense band marching through the center aisle of the auditorium.