Rafael “Rafa” Pondé Releases New Album “Brazilian Reggae Experience Vol. 2” | WATCH NEW VIDEO!
BRAZILIAN REGGAE EXPERIENCE VOL.2
NEW ALBUM RELEASE
“Brazilian Reggae Experience Vol. 2” is Rafael “Rafa” Pondé‘s ninth studio album and the first to feature a majority of original songs in English, the result of Rafa’s experience in San Diego, California, since 2022.
The album is entirely about conscious music and is the result of experimentation with yoga and meditation. The lyrics convey messages about the power of self-confidence, self-realization, joy, love, gratitude, and connection with Mother Nature.
This is an album for the soul… The album was recorded between the United States (The Music Company in Pacific Beach, CA), where Rafa lives part of the year, and also in Brazil at Máfia Records in Salvador, during 2024.
The album was produced and mixed by Rafael Pondé and features co-production by DJ Caio Becker on the track “O Hippie” and a posthumous appearance by Rafa’s brother, Thiago Pondé (who passed away in January 2025), also on the track “O Hippie.”
The album featured legendary musicians such as Jon McKnight, keyboardist and multi-instrumentalist who was part of Barrington Levi and Fully Fullwood’s band, among other reggae legends, as well as the band “Brazilian Reggae Experience,” which has accompanied Rafa on shows in California since 2022.
The band features Bob Lemos on drums, Pati Miranda on vocals, Pedro Oliveira on bass, Rodrigo Mendonça on brass, Rafa Reis on accordion, and Jon McKnight on keyboards.
The album was partially funded by a crowdfunding campaign and was released digitally on July 11, 2025.
Rafael Pondé is a visionary and award-winning Brazilian artist with a passion for music from around the world. He is a composer, multi-instrumentalist, singer, and music producer.
He has recorded eight solo albums and collaborated with numerous artists, including 2025 Grammy-winning producer Hans Martin Buff (Prince, Joss Stone, Scorpions), Grammy-winning musician Bill Anschell, and the Latin Grammy-winning Brazilian band Natiruts, among others.
RBA Publishing, Inc