In the United States, the worlds of independent art and mainstream pop are often far removed from one another. In Brazil, however, singing/dancing duo Banda Calypso has made a name for itself in its home country through hard work, self-management and constant touring. Formed in 1999 by guitarist Chimbinha and his wife Joelma, Banda Calypso creates a light, streamlined and poppy version of Brazilian music and dance genres such as lambada and forro. Because the group self-produces its albums, it's able to keep prices low, which has allowed the duo to make a splash, especially within Brazil's lower financial classes.
