We’ve been providing samba drumming workshops and classes for over 25 years, and one of the most common questions we hear is: where does this amazing music come from?
So, we thought we’d give you a detailed blog post diving into the vibrant history of samba music! In our previous blog, we discussed the origins of African drumming in ourAfrican Drumming Facts blog. This time, we’ll be taking you to the rich, vibrant streets of Brazil.
What is Samba music?
Samba is a genre of music originating from Brazil, with roots embedded in Afro-Brazilian traditions. It’s a broad term to describe the multitude of unique rhythms that originated in the communities of Bahai in the late 19th century, and Rio de Janeiro in the early 20th century.
Over time, samba music has acquired admiration all over the world due to its infectious, vibrant rhythms and the exciting street performances which accompany the beats. This melding of upbeat music and community engagement has fostered an important cultural icon that is loved worldwide.
Several unique instruments are incorporated into the wonderfully distinct samba sounds. Traditionally, samba music features string instruments like the cavaquinho and different guitars, alongside percussion instruments such as the famous tamborim drums.
Samba holds a special place as a symbol of Brazil and its iconic Carnival festivities. We aren’t exaggerating when we say samba is one of the most cherished cultural expressions of Brazil!
The Bahian Samba de Roda, acknowledged as aUNESCO Heritage of Humanity in 2005, serves as the cornerstone for the samba carioca, the vibrant music and dance style synonymous with Rio de Janeiro.
The Criminalisation of Samba Music
In its early years, Samba encountered harsh scrutiny from the Brazilian authorities. Originating in the Favelas, it emerged as a distinctly Afro-Brazilian musical genre, fostering deep bonds that brought people together.
This strengthening of community was seen as a threat by the Brazilian authorities, who even claimed it was linked to Afro-Brazilian cults. Consequently, many early composers of samba faced criminal persecution and instruments were destroyed.
With samba being made illegal, the genre had to endure underground.
Thankfully, samba is now seen as a landmark of traditional music - a far cry from its defiant past of resisting the authorities, it is now embraced by the government.
Samba’s Roots in the Rio Carnival
The Rio Carnival in Brazil is deeply intertwined with Samba, and their origins tell a captivating story.
Picture this: during the Portuguese colonial era, European masquerade balls collided with vibrant African cultural traditions, including music and dance. Out of this melting pot emerged Samba, with its pulsating rhythms and lively beats, gradually becoming the soul of the carnival.
As time passed, Samba schools sprang up across Rio de Janeiro, each representing a unique community and bringing its own flavour to the carnival parade.
Today, the Rio Carnival is a dazzling extravaganza where the beats of samba fill the streets. The schools perform passionately for the top spot. It's a celebration like no other, uniting people from all walks of life in a whirlwind of culture, music, and sheer joy.
Quite rightly, the Rio Brazil Carnival is described as the biggest party on the planet! Take a look for yourself:
Samba Instruments
Modern urban samba is played with several percussion instruments, including:
At Unbeatable Energy, we’ve had the joy of teaching samba drumming to thousands of people spanning two decades. We’ve visited hundreds of schools across the country, introducing pupils to the joy of traditional drumming. We also provide evening classes in Sheffield and perform events across the country.
We’ve hosted African & Samba drumming workshops with teams at Google, HSBC, John Lewis and Money Super Market to name a few. Our boomwhacker events are unique solutions for conference ice breakers:
If you’re a school or business in the UK looking to educate or improve teamwork and communication and break the ice with your employees, please contact us today by clicking the button below- we’d love to drum with you!