Back2Black 2015 Sets the Crowd on Fire

In 2015, Belgian artist Stromae turned Cidade das Artes into a dance floor

Back2Black Festival 2015 left everyone wanting more. Lectures, debates, interviews, and 14 concerts electrified the crowd that filled Cidade das Artes, in Barra da Tijuca. Below is a highlight of the musical performances that made this unforgettable weekend.

 FRIDAY — MARCH 20

The Rio Stage opened on a high note with master poet and activist Linton Kwesi Johnson, whose performance blended poetry, politics, and rhythm. Joined by the Dennis Bovell Dub Band, LKJ moved the audience while calling attention to the violence that persists in the outskirts of major urban centers.

Opening the Cidade Stage, Dughettu captivated the audience with his powerful voice and infectious groove. On Instagram, the artist described the night as “black magic.”

“That night at the Back2Black Festival was exactly that: pure black magic. A group of people on the same wavelength. Magic that wasn’t defined by skin color, neighborhood, clothing style, or religious belief — but by emotion and inspiration.”

One of the most anticipated shows of the night, Planet Hemp set the energy soaring with an explosive performance. The party kicked off with “Legalize Já” and kept the momentum high with classics like “Dig Dig Dig Hempa,” “Zerovinteum,” and “Quem Tem Seda?”

Meanwhile, Karol Conká took over the Cidade Stage with sharp lyrics, relentless rhythm, and commanding presence. With her unmistakable style and attitude, the rapper from Curitiba had the crowd fully engaged.

Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley had everyone jumping as he mixed his own songs with timeless classics made famous by his father, Bob Marley. The youngest son of the reggae legend delivered an emotionally charged set filled with major hits.

The first night closed with the infectious energy of Dream Team do Passinho. The rhythms of Rio’s favelas met Angolan kuduro dancers in a powerful exchange that sent the crowd into a frenzy.

 SATURDAY — MARCH 21

The second night opened with deep axé energy, as Alabê Ketujazz brought candomblé drums and unexpected brass arrangements to the Cidade Stage, highlighting Afro-Brazilian rhythms.

On the Rio Stage, Letieres Leite & Orkestra Rumpilezz reimagined the music of Lenine with bold and beautiful new arrangements. The performance included the premiere of “À Meia-Noite dos Tambores Silenciosos,” by Lenine and Carlos Rennó, later featured on Lenine’s album Carbono.

Showcasing the deep ties between Angola and Brazil, Aline Frazão and Toty Sa’Med joined forces with Brazilian singer Natasha Llerena in a delicate and moving performance.

Beninese diva Angélique Kidjo lifted the audience with classics like “Batonga” and Miriam Makeba’s “Pata Pata.” To close her electrifying set, Kidjo invited a group of young girls from the audience to dance with her on stage.

Continuing the celebration of African rhythms, Mingas, Wazimbo, and Moreira Chonguiça brought Mozambique’s marrabenta to the Cidade Stage, filling the space with joy and movement, supported by dancers who enchanted the crowd.

Next came a special tribute to Rio de Janeiro, marking the city’s 450th anniversary. Alcione, Fernanda Abreu, Mart’nália, Xande de Pilares, Gabriel Moura, and Portuguese fado singer Raquel Tavares delivered a performance full of surprises, closing with a moving homage to legendary arranger Lincoln Olivetti.

Ludmilla commanded the Cidade Stage with her hits “É Hoje” and “Te Ensinei Certin,” turning the space into a full-on funk party. She also impressed the audience with her vocal power in a rendition of Beyoncé’s “Halo.”

One of the most anticipated acts of Back2Black 2015, Stromae delivered a creative, theatrical performance that transformed Cidade das Artes into a massive dance floor. The Belgian artist played with the crowd, ventured into Portuguese, and thrilled everyone with hits like “Alors on Danse” and “Papaoutai.” His band — four impeccably styled musicians dressed in gray uniforms, bowler hats, and knee-high socks — completed the striking visual experience.

We extend our deepest thanks to everyone who made Back2Black 2015 possible — and, of course, to the audience who embraced everything we prepared with such care. Sharing this energy with you was unforgettable.

Thank you to everyone who jumped, sang, laughed, danced, and felt deeply during the sixth edition of Brazil’s largest Black culture festival.

Long live Back2Black!