Currently, there are many pagoda groups performing nationwide in Brazil. However, the pioneers of pagoda music were the group Bottom of Quintal, who achieved success in the late 1980s and 1990s under the leadership of Arlindo Cruz and Umbrella. One of the icons of pagoda was Zeca Pagodinho, who authentically embraced both traditional and romantic styles of pagoda. In the late 1990s, a university style of pagoda emerged, exemplified by the group Black Race. Over time, the term "pagode" became synonymous with samba as sambistas used it to refer to their parties.