Baden Powell & Vinicius de Moraes

The Profile

Brazilian collaboration between guitarist-composer Baden Powell and poet-lyricist Vinicius de Moraes, famed for fusing Afro-Brazilian religious and rhythmic elements with bossa nova on the 1966 album Os Afro-Sambas.

Vinicius de Moraes co-wrote “Chega de Saudade” with Tom Jobim, a landmark in the birth of bossa nova; together with Baden Powell he explored Afro-Brazilian traditions (candomblé, samba de roda, capoeira) in Os Afro-Sambas (1966).

A deeply appreciative review focuses on the 1966 collaboration Os Afro-Sambas, highlighting its blend of Afro-Brazilian rhythms and bossa nova. It frames Vinicius as a key figure beyond Jobim and Gilberto and praises Baden Powell’s virtuosity. The album is lauded for emotional depth, rich arrangements, and a rustic recording approach that honors Afro-Brazilian traditions.