Olodum is an Afro-Brazilian percussion school from the city of Salvador, Bahia. It was founded on April 25, 1979, during the carnival period as a leisure option for the residents of Maciel-Pelourinho, thus guaranteeing them the right to play carnival in an organized block. It is a non-governmental organization (NGO) of the black Brazilian movement, recognized as public utility by the Bahia state government. Its headquarters is located in Salvador's historic center, Pelourinho, where most of its presentations take place. It develops actions to combat social discrimination, stimulates self-esteem and pride of Afro-Brazilians, and defends and fights to ensure the civil and human rights of marginalized people in Bahia and in Brazil. After its debut in the 1980 carnival, the band conquered almost two thousand members and started to approach historical themes related to African and Brazilian cultures. The band's first LP, "Egypt, Madagascar", was recorded in 1987 and achieved great success in Bahia and the rest of the country with the song "Faraó". The idea of this LP was to pay homage to the group's roots and show Brazil the Mama Africa, and also to present to the world how the group came about, from the drumming to the influences of the African Gods. Soon after, Olodum became known internationally as an Afro-Brazilian percussion group and toured to many countries in Europe, Japan, and almost all of South America. In 1988 Simone recorded "Me Ama, Mô" live in Pelourinho with Negui