Samba: Music of Brazil
Brazil, the largest country in South America, is home to one of the most exciting and joyful music traditions in the world: samba!
Samba originated in the early 1900s in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It blends African rhythms brought by enslaved people with Portuguese and indigenous Brazilian musical traditions. The result is an irresistible, danceable beat that makes you want to MOVE!
Samba is the heart of Carnival, Brazil's biggest celebration. During Carnival, millions of people dance samba in the streets, wearing incredible costumes and following huge samba bands (called blocos) that play thundering rhythms.
Samba is not just one rhythm — it is a family of rhythms. But they all share a common feel: a bouncy, swinging pulse that makes you sway your hips and tap your feet. The rhythm is infectious — once you hear it, you cannot stay still!