Olodum, founded in 1979 in Salvador, Bahia, is a pioneering Afro-Brazilian cultural group renowned for creating the samba-reggae genre—a vibrant fusion of traditional samba with Caribbean rhythms like reggae and merengue. Their dynamic percussion and commitment to Afro-Brazilian heritage have led to collaborations with global icons such as Paul Simon, Michael Jackson, and Jimmy Cliff. Beyond music, Olodum actively combats racial discrimination and promotes civil rights, making them a symbol of cultural pride and social activism. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olodum?utm_source=openai))