Onda Sonora: Red Hot + Lisbon

Onda Sonora: Red Hot + Lisbon is the eleventh entry in the Red Hot Benefit Series of compilation albums. The album and related television special were both created by the Red Hot Organization (RHO), an international organization whose objective in this project is to raise AIDS awareness in the Portuguese-speaking world and other places ravaged by the syndrome.

Like many epidemics, AIDS spread along major trade and travel routes. Onda Sonora, which means Sound Wave in Portuguese, features music from 40 artists representing 11 countries. The result is a fusion of elements — a collection of songs performed in seven different languages, from a variety of cultures with diverse origins and styles — all of which have been influenced by the Portuguese culture.

The album was released two years after Red Hot + Rio, more specifically featuring music from the largest of Portugal's former colonies — Brazil. American musician David Byrne and Brazilian musician Caetano Veloso, who were each featured in songs on the Rio album, collaborate for this album's opening track.