This is Daúde’s U.S. debut, and it is a fascinating effort. She was born in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, and spent part of her youth growing up in Rio de Janeiro. The album title means “Little Black Girl, I Love You,” and, indeed, the album consists of songs that, according to Daúde, pay tribute to Brazilian women and their strength. Daúde’s sound is distinctive in that she seems to be comfortable working both American styles like hip-hop and rock and African beats with Brazil’s Música Popular Brasileira (pop/roots) vibe. Add to this the proto-feminist nature of her lyrics and a little samba—this is Brazil, after all—and you have very current, very danceable Brazilian music. Cue up “Naja,” a tune that exemplifies nearly every element of Daúde’s groove in four tasty minutes.—PVV
