Udiyana Bandha

Founded in 1985 by Thomas Brokaw, Cláudio Vinícius, and Chandra Lacombe, Udiyana Bandha is a fusion of cultures, traditions, and spirituality. Their music carries a message of love, peace, and unity—an invitation to remember the human potential and the beauty that lies in diversity.

Inspired by Eastern spiritual traditions and the cultural richness of Brazil, the members of Udiyana Bandha blend Indian ragas, sacred mantras, Brazilian rhythms, and multi-percussive effects into a transcendental symphony. The result is an experience that guides the listener on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual expansion.

In 1985, a group of artists, visionaries, and environmentalists joined forces to defend the Serra dos Pirineus (Goiás, Brazil) from neglect and destruction, giving rise to the movement Por Amor aos Pirineus (“For the Love of the Pirineus”). This initiative raised awareness and eventually led to the creation of the Pirineus State Park. It was in this context that Udiyana Bandha was born, participating in ecological events and the Rainbow Gatherings.

During the passage of Halley’s Comet, in a time of telepathic synchronicities, Thomas, Cláudio, and Chandra gathered around bonfires, celebrating through music and night vigils. These moments consolidated the Brotherhood of Udiyana, shaping the group’s mission: to bring messages, rhythms, and melodies that could inspire joy, wisdom, and meditation—an artistic and spiritual calling that has guided them ever since.

Over the years, the group welcomed new members: composer Leal Carvalho, percussionist Gui Mendonça, flutist and saxophonist Marcelo Bernardes, and later percussionist and dancer Deva Rakkas. Each brought their own artistry and energy, enriching the band’s sound and presence.

The name Udiyana comes from an ancient kingdom in India’s Swat Valley, known for its Tantra Yoga practices that sought to awaken human potential through directed love and the concentration of vital energy. Bandha means “inner muscular lock,” part of a yogic practice that vitalizes and purifies the body. As written in the ancient scripture Gheranda Samhita: “The one who practices Udiyana Bandha conquers death, as the great bird of vitality is drawn to the central channel, raising consciousness.”

Discography

Meet the Band

Thomas E. Brokaw

Born in Salvador, Brazil, Thomas Brokaw is a versatile musician who plays sitar, guitar, 12-string viola, bass, mandolin, and more, as well as being a vocalist. Co-founder of Udiyana Bandha in 1985, he brought his experience from groups such as Black Zé and Makrosom, contributing compositions, arrangements, and productions that blend ragas, mantras, pop-rock, and music therapy into a distinctive “New Era” sound.
Cláudio Vinícius

A natural-born musician from Brasília, Cláudio Vinícius is a multi-instrumentalist and composer with a Music degree from UnB. Co-founder of Udiyana Bandha, he is also known for his award-winning soundtracks for theater, dance, and film, as well as his work with Yoga of the Voice. He plays kalimba, flute, viola caipira, piano, and guitar, blending New Age, transcultural, and Indian mantras with deep creative spirit.
Chandra Lacombe

Blending Eastern traditions with the South American medicine path, Chandra Lacombe is a composer, percussionist, and vocalist whose music serves as a vehicle for healing and self-discovery. Since the 1990s, he has released over ten albums, both solo and with Udiyana Bandha, and collaborated with artists like Kailash Kokopelli and Carioca. His distinctive kalimba style and unique voice make his work a transformative spiritual journey.
Gui Mendonça

Born in Três Pontas, MG, Gui Mendonça is a percussionist specializing in Afro and Indian rhythms, as well as the tamboura. Inspired early by the Clube da Esquina, he studied percussion in Belo Horizonte and joined Udiyana Bandha in 1986. His travels to India deepened his mastery of instruments such as tabla and Tibetan bells, shaping a style that fuses tradition and innovation.
Marcelo Bernardes

A multi-instrumentalist on winds, Marcelo Bernardes plays flutes, saxophones, and clarinet. Classically trained, he studied at the Versailles Conservatory and has collaborated with major MPB names such as Djavan, Moraes Moreira, Chico Buarque, and Maria Bethânia. After joining Udiyana Bandha, he brought his sensitivity and expertise to innovative projects, remaining a respected figure in Brazilian music.
Leal Carvalho

A singer and songwriter from Rio de Janeiro, Leal Carvalho comes from a musical family but chose the path of popular music, known for his strong, heartfelt compositions. In Udiyana Bandha, his songs and vibrant energy blend seamlessly with the group’s spirit. Today, he continues exploring new sounds and collaborations, bringing a unique artistic vision that resonates with diverse audiences.
Luiz Marcos

Luiz Marcos began his career in the 1970s with the band Duplo Etéreo, hailed as a milestone in Rio’s rock scene, and later found national success with Meninos de Deus, topping the charts with the classic “Aleluia.” A longtime collaborator of Thomas Brokaw, he joined Makrosom and continues to be active in alternative music projects, blending rock, spirituality, and experimentation.