Vandal fuses rap and Bahian rhythms on 'Vanguardah'

Who is Vandal and what makes 'Vanguardah' special?

Born Luis Sidnei Barbosa Correia in Salvador, Bahia, rapper Vandal is one of Brazil's grime and drill pioneers. His 2015 mixtape Tipolazvegazh put him on the national hip-hop map over a decade ago. Now, with Vanguardah, he takes a bold sonic leap — fusing rap with samba-reggae and Bahian pagodão into what he calls an Afro symphony.

What does the album sound like?

The 10-track project was recorded under the musical direction of Russo Passapusso, a founding pillar of BaianaSystem. Producers Tiago Simões, Calibre MC and Seko Bass shaped the sound, while artistic direction came from Phodismo and Vandal himself. Guests include DJ KL Jay, Giovanni Cidreira, Hiran, Josyara and Liz Reis — a lineup that spans genres and generations.

What themes run through the record?

Ancestry, memory and religiosity are at the core. Standout tracks include Avemariah (with Liz Reis), Pontoh deh revoltah (featuring DJ KL Jay samples), Supereh (with Hiran), Requiémh parah umh sonhoh (written and recorded with Josyara), and Anjoh bomh dah Bahiah, produced by maestro Ubiratan Marques. The stylised spelling — Vandal adds an 'h' to the end of every word — is a signature artistic quirk that runs across the whole album.

When and why was this release date chosen?

Vanguardah drops on Thursday, 13 August — the Feast of Santa Dulce dos Pobres, a deeply meaningful date in Bahia's religious calendar, underscoring the album's spiritual dimension.