by James Christopher MongerKitschy singing and dancing duo Joelma Mendes and Chimbinha formed Banda Calypso in 1999 in Belém in Pará. Specializing in a colorful fusion of northeastern Brazilian rhythms and Caribbean melody, the award-winning Banda Calypso have sold over five million records and DVDs since their inception. The duo's latest, Pelo Brasil, was released on the Forro/MD label in 2006.