Raimundo Nonato da Cruz, known professionally as Chocolate da Bahia, is a celebrated Brazilian singer, composer, and instrumentalist born on August 30, 1943, in Salvador, Bahia. Immersed in the vibrant cultural milieu of the Mercado Modelo, he honed his skills on instruments like the berimbau and tamborim, earning his nickname for his warm demeanor and rich skin tone. His 1977 debut album, "Barraca do Chocolate," featured endorsements from luminaries Jorge Amado and Dorival Caymmi. Chocolate's compositions have been performed by renowned artists such as Martinho da Vila and Luiz Caldas, with hits like "Haja Amor" and "Menina do Cateretê." In 2022, his contributions to Brazilian music were honored with the Comenda 2 de Julho by the Bahia State Assembly. ([al.ba.gov.br](https://www.al.ba.gov.br/historia-do-legislativo/titulos-e-condecoracoes/homenageados/749?utm_source=openai))