Album: Sergio Mendes & Brasil 66 (1966)
Charted: 47
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • "Mas que nada" is Portuguese for "No way" or "Come on."
  • This was originally written and performed by Jorge Ben in 1963. Three years later Brazilian musician Sergio Mendes gave it a catchy, tight bossa nova arrangement with soaring vocals by Lani Hall. It became his signature song, although in Brazil Jorge Ben's version is the most well known one.
  • This was featured in the 1990 Tom Hanks movie Joe Versus The Volcano and the 1997 movie Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery.
  • The Brazilian group Tamba Trio had a #34 hit in the UK in 1998 with their version, which was surprisingly the first time the song entered the UK charts.
  • In 2006 Sergio Mendes re-recorded the song with The Black Eyed Peas with his wife Gracinha Leporace providing additional vocals. This time it reached #6 in the UK and it topped the charts in Holland and Hungary. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Edward Pearce - Ashford, Kent, England, for all above

Comments: 5

  • M. Turboffy from Alma Co.Not pertaining to this tune, only. But imho, the sexy sultry female lead singers on all Brazil 66 songs are the best female duo in rock/pop history. I mean they kill , just kill it on "The Look of Love" & "Fool on the Hill" among many others. Plus, the guys backround harmonizing is solid..
  • Seventhmist from 7th HeavenWould also have liked to have seen listings for their 80s hits, "Never Gonna Let You Go" and "Alibis."
  • Steve from Whittier, CaHuh? ONLY #47? Hmmm.. This song has from the start here in the USA become so iconic that it's surprising that it peaked just outside the top 40.
    Posted January 11,2014 9:57 AM (this will stat my attempts at listing the time and date of posting messages..)
  • Barry from Sauquoit, NyI agree with Darrell of Eugene, surprised there's no other Mendes listings; in 1968 he had two records that made the Top 10. "The Look of Love" peaked at #4 and "The Fool on the Hill" reached #6... {Also in 1968 his version of "Scarborough Fair" peaked at #16}
  • Darrell from EugeneI can't believe that there are no other listings for Sergio Mendes and Brasil '66! My girlfriend and I love their music, especially "The Look of Love", which I seem to recall being adapted to a Cotton Board commercial in the 1990s.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Jello Biafra

Jello BiafraSongwriter Interviews

The former Dead Kennedys frontman on the past, present and future of the band, what music makes us "pliant and stupid," and what he learned from Alice Cooper.

Terry Jacks ("Seasons in the Sun")

Terry Jacks ("Seasons in the Sun")Songwriter Interviews

Inspired by his dear friend, "Seasons in the Sun" paid for Terry's boat, which led him away from music and into a battle with Canadian paper mills.

The End Of The Rock Era

The End Of The Rock EraSong Writing

There are no more rock stars - the last one died in 1994.

David Bowie Lyrics Quiz

David Bowie Lyrics QuizMusic Quiz

How well do you know your David Bowie lyrics? Take this quiz to find out.

Rosanne Cash

Rosanne CashSongwriter Interviews

Rosanne talks about the journey that inspired her songs on her album The River & the Thread, including a stop at the Tallahatchie Bridge.

James Bond Theme Songs

James Bond Theme SongsMusic Quiz

How well do you know the 007 theme songs?