The history of Irmãos Verdades is deeply rooted in Luanda, where the group took its first steps back in the 1980s. A major turning point came in 1986 when the collective of fourteen young artists was invited to join the troupe of the legendary Duo Ouro Negro. Initially, the group shone on stage through dance, but the transition to music was a natural and organic evolution, solidifying after the passing of Milo MacMahon when they began performing as the supporting band for Raul Indipwo.
This partnership with one of the greatest icons of Angolan music opened doors to the world, allowing these young talents to bring their art to legendary stages. Between the lights of Paris at the iconic Olympia and significant performances in major venues across the United States and Canada, the band gained the experience necessary to strike out on their own. It was within this context of international exposure that they gained the confidence to release their first original work in 1994, instantly winning over audiences in Portugal and across Lusophone Africa.
The group’s sonic evolution found a new spark in 1997 with the arrival of Alcinda Ramos, whose female vocals added a fresh layer of sensitivity to their compositions. It was during this period that “Yolanda” was born—a song that became a true anthem and catapulted the band to the top of the charts. From that moment on, Irmãos Verdade entered a golden era, earning gold records in the Portuguese market and solidifying a fanbase that grew with every new release.
The band’s cultural impact reached one of its highest points in 2003, following the release of a greatest hits collection that took them on a tour across several countries. One of the most memorable moments of this journey was their performance at the Festidez festival in Huambo, where they moved a crowd of over 150,000 voices singing in unison. This milestone reaffirmed the group’s role as one of the greatest ambassadors of contemporary Angolan music, uniting generations through a vibrant and emotional show.
The identity of Irmãos Verdades is defined by a romantic and captivating sound that masterfully balances the aesthetics of zouk with the modern rhythm of kizomba. This successful formula continued to be explored and refined over the years, culminating in studio albums that maintained the group’s passionate essence. Even after decades, the band remains an absolute reference, transforming emotions into rhythms that invite both dancing and reflection.
