Duas Cidades
BaianaSystem
2016
Rankings
Why This Album Matters
Duas Cidades, released in 2016 by BaianaSystem, represents a fundamental milestone in contemporary Brazilian music, consolidating the unique fusion of Afro-Brazilian rhythms from Bahia, such as samba-reggae, afoxé, and ijexá, with Jamaican sound system culture, which includes dub, reggae, and dancehall. The album is a sonic and lyrical statement that redefines the boundaries of MPB, presenting an urgent, pulsating, and energetic sound that has become the band's signature. This work stands out for its capacity to innovate, utilising the guitarra baiana, re-signified by Roberto Barreto, as a central element that dialogues with electronic beats and organic percussion. With sharp lyrics and an unmistakable musical identity, Duas Cidades invites listeners to dance whilst provoking reflection on deep social issues, becoming a cultural and musical manifesto that resonated beyond the borders of Bahia.
Context
The release of Duas Cidades in 2016 occurred during a period of intense political and social effervescence in Brazil, which made the themes addressed in the album even more pertinent and resonant. BaianaSystem, having already established itself since 2009 as an innovative force on stage, with a sound system proposal and a strong visual identity marked by Filipe Cartaxo's masks, solidified its presence in the music scene with this, its second studio album. The group already brought with it the experience of its debut album, released in 2010, and years of interaction with the public in live performances, which shaped the energy and creative direction of the new work. The band positioned itself as a voice for the streets, translating urban and social complexities into an innovative musical language.
Recording
The production of Duas Cidades was handled by Daniel Ganjaman, known for his work with artists such as Criolo, Sabotage, and Nação Zumbi, which brought an additional layer of sophistication and sonic cohesion to the project. The album's creation process involved a month-long immersion at a rural property in São Paulo state, where the band and producer were able to consolidate ideas and refine the album's concept after years of shows and experiences. The album features several collaborations that enrich its sonic texture, such as the participation of Márcio Victor, from the group Psirico, on percussion, and the rabeca of Pernambucan artist Siba, who adds a regional touch to tracks like the instrumental "Cigano". Furthermore, the choir of Ganhadeiras de Itapuã is present in songs like "Panela" and "Bala na Agulha", lending a traditional and ancestral dimension to the compositions.
Songs
The twelve tracks of Duas Cidades masterfully explore the duality and contradictions of urban spaces, especially Salvador, alluding to the historical social and geographical divisions between the "Cidade Alta" and the "Cidade Baixa". Songs like the title track "Duas Cidades" question identity and belonging with verses such as "Diz em que cidade que você se encaixa / Cidade alta cidade baixa". "Lucro (Descomprimindo)", with its cumbia feel, criticises real estate speculation and environmental devastation in the name of capital. Other highlights include the energetic "Jah Jah Revolta, Pt. 2", which opens the album with a strong social ethos, and "Bala na Agulha", with its provocative and danceable lyricism. Roberto Barreto's guitarra baiana, one of the pillars of BaianaSystem's sound, is a constant and vital element, offering percussive and melodic lines that form the backbone of many compositions, such as in the instrumental "Mercado" and the conclusive "Azul".
Legacy
Duas Cidades was widely acclaimed by critics, recognised for its originality, social relevance, and the contagious energy the band managed to transpose to the studio. The album was voted the 7th best record of 2016 by the newspaper Estadão, standing out in year-end rankings and solidifying BaianaSystem's reputation as one of the most important groups in the Brazilian music scene. The album not only boosted BaianaSystem's career but also opened new avenues for Bahian music and Brazilian music in general, influencing a new generation of artists to explore fusions between the traditional and the contemporary, the local and the global. The track "Playsom" achieved international visibility by being included in the soundtrack of the video game FIFA 16, expanding the band's sound to a global audience.
Tracks
Credits
BaianaSystem
Daniel Ganjaman
Podcasts
Adega Musical · Andre Valdez
FAZENDO FIGA PRA ESSA VIDA TÃO SOFRIDA TERMINAR BEM SUCEDIDA!Por Virgílio MigliavaccaDuas Cidades, 2º disco do coletivo BaianaSystem, completou 10 anos de lançamento no último dia 29 de março. Ele se encaixa numa linhagem de artistas que souberam se equilibrar entre a tradição e a modernidade. É a força do rock que liga o trabalho dos baianos à psicodelia nordestina de Alceu Valença, Zé Ramalho e
O Som do Vinil | Podcast · Canal Brasil
Charles Gavin apresenta o disco “Duas Cidades”, do “BaianaSystem”. O grupo destaca o uso do palco como laboratório para os seus trabalhos e fala sobre a aproximação com a música africana.
da ideia à luz · Camila Tiago e Marcelo Augusto
Ligia Chaim, formada em Audiovisual, é iluminadora cênica desde 2002. Assina projetos de luz em teatro, dança e show, sendo uma das áreas em que mais atua como Lighting Designer e programadora, destacando-se nas luzes da banda BaianaSystem, Maria Gadú, Mariana Aydar, entre muitos outros. Tem propriedade em trabalhar com a técnica de improvisação utilizando a luz. Foi a primeira mulher a participar
Books
Álbum 4 - 1994 a 2025
Pedro Alexandre Sanches · 2025
This book is part of a series that retells the history of Brazilian music through its most iconic albums. Written by renowned journalist and music critic Pedro Alexandre Sanches, volume "Álbum 4" covers the period from 1994 to 2025, which includes the release of "Duas Cidades" (2016). Given the series' aim to analyse important albums of the era, it is highly probable that this work offers an in-depth analysis of BaianaSystem and, specifically, of this album.
Os 500 Maiores Álbuns Brasileiros de Todos os Tempos
Ricardo Alexandre · 2022
The largest Brazilian music election ever conducted: 162 specialists, spanning journalists, critics, musicians, producers and podcasters, each nominated 50 essential albums, supported by a masterlist of more than 2,000 works. Led by Ricardo Alexandre with tabulation by Sérgio Jomori, it was published in December 2022 as a 200-page hardcover book with graphic design by Fernando Pires.
Analyses
Resenha: "Duas Cidades" (2016) - BaianaSystem. - Blogger
baianasystem.blogspot.com
With musical production by Daniel Ganjaman and featuring Siba, Márcio Victor (Psirico), the Ganhadeiras de Itapuã choir, and other great artists, "Duas Cidades" reinforces BaianaSystem's social commitment and cultural identity.
Crítica | BaianaSystem: "Duas Cidades" - Música Instantânea
musicainstantanea.com.br
Once immersed in this landscape marked by the creative melodic and rhythmic foundation of the songs, verses guided by a strong political discourse reflect the group's complete maturation, marking a clear advance compared to the material delivered on their previous album.
Discos históricos: Duas Cidades, do BaianaSystem (2016)
fagnermorais.substack.com
The great trump card of "Duas Cidades", recorded entirely in Salvador, is its blend of Brazilian rhythms, such as samba, frevo, and choro, and Latin rhythms with reggae, dub, rock, and African music. It is this range of influences that makes BaianaSystem such a musical powerhouse on albums and even more so live.
Resenha: BaianaSystem - Duas Cidades - Music on the Run
musicontherun.net
BaianaSystem is not just a group that came together to make music; it is a necessary group for understanding regional music and all the influences that make Brazil a place of incredible culture in the eyes of the world.
BaianaSystem - Duas Cidades (2016) | cenaindie
cenaindie.com
'Duas Cidades', BaianaSystem's second album, is an anticipated work from the Brazilian independent scene. Released as a tribute to Salvador's anniversary, the album stands out for its social engagement and for seeking new meanings for urban music and popular traditions.
