THE RHYTHMS OF BRAZIL | NORTH

Our country is known worldwide for its cultural diversity. We are a nation that has an immense variety of habits and customs, where each region has its own costumes, food, dances and typical music. With this explosion of mixes, how about learning a little more about our tropical and contemporary rhythms? Let's start exploring our Brazil from north to south, introducing you to the sounds of our homeland.

To start this trip, we're heading to the North region. Crossing the Amazon, we find the most diverse rhythms, such as Lundu, Congo, Bumba Meu Boi, Marujada, among others. They all have African percussion influences, a whiff of Europeans and a nice hint of indigenous traditions. The music reflects the joy and color of the region, with full skirts, clapping and a lot of sensuality, where instruments such as drums, banjo, clarinets and maracas put on a show of cadence and harmony. 

In the 80s, Lambada dominated Brazil and Kaoma was playing on all the radio stations with his hit “Chorando Se Foi”. In the 90s, “Tic Tic Tac” by Carrapicho and “Vermelho” by Fafá de Belém (with the participation of David Assayag) took the colors of the Parintins Folkloric Festival to the world and popularized the Boi Bumbá once and for all. 

But recently, what has predominated in the streaming of new generations is Carimbó. A genre of round dance created in Pará, whose name comes from a handmade drum, called “Curimbó”. This sound has been filling dance floors and even soap opera themes. Gaby Amarantos, Dona Onete, Felipe Cordeiro and Jaloo, are well-known names on the current Brazilian scene. 

Finally, we cannot fail to comment on an artist who caught our attention recently, Nelson D. The Italian-Brazilian born in Manaus, released this year the album In Your Own Land and with his “alien and indigenous psychic” outfit, he brings experimental music with a modern and incredible sound. It is worth checking!

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