59 Melodious Samba Music Facts That You Need To Know!

Whether it's ballroom samba or samba-reggae, we're sure you will adore this genre of music!

Samba is a Brazilian musical genre that originated in the early 20th century. Almost everyone who has heard of this genre of music has found it impossible to keep themselves in their seats, simply because of how captivating and energizing it is!

Samba is characterized by its upbeat rhythm and festive atmosphere. In Brazil, samba is considered to be the national dance and music style. There are many different styles of samba, each with its own unique characteristics. Let's take a closer look at some of the most popular types of samba!

The History Of Samba Music

Samba music, as we know it, may have originated in the 20th century but this genre has been an integral part of the culture of Brazil for many years.

This genre is a direct reflection of the lives of the many enslaved people who were brought to Brazil.

These enslaved people had nothing but their cultural insight, which is why it became important to stay true to their roots.

Samba music may be recognized as a fun art form today, but the fact remains that this form of music was started by enslaved Africans in Brazil, as a way of reminiscing their homeland and the culture that they left behind.

The history of samba music has more to it than meets the eye!

Samba music is said to have started in the 17th century.

The reason behind the beginning of this beautiful genre of music was due to enslaved people who were brought to Brazil, and they needed a way to cherish their own culture.

Samba, therefore, has roots in African musical culture.

People started samba music without the use of traditional instruments that are commonly used in Africa.

This led to many innovations and the creation of many musical instruments, which are now used in samba schools across the world.

This form of music was the only type of recreation available to many enslaved Africans in Brazil.

The state of Bahia, in Brazil, is known to have been the birthplace of the samba rhythm.

Samba music heavily depends on the use of percussion instruments.

Percussive instruments have always been an essential part of African music. The use of percussive instruments is also reflected in West African music, where instruments such as drums are widely used.

Samba music started as a clear indication of the Afro-Brazilian identity.

Plantation workers would gather and dance to the rapid beats of the many percussion instruments.

This would also become one of the greatest cultural unifiers through the Rio De Janeiro Carnival Parade that now takes place every year.

The word 'samba' is thought to have originated from the Kinbundu term known as 'semba'.

This Angolan term means 'invitation to dance', which was important to plantation workers who had little means of enjoyment as a community.

Traditional samba used only percussion instruments, however, in the present day many other instruments have made their way into samba music.

Samba became a popular music genre in Brazil in the 20th century.

This started with industrialization, which caused low-income people to move towards cities throughout Brazil.

This rapid movement of people moving towards cities resulted in the infiltration of samba music into the lives of city people.

Hence, with the advent of the 20th century, samba music was no longer limited to the poor or descendants of African enslaved people.

Favelas, or small shanties, in areas near cities also became the hub for more samba styles to be developed, practiced, and perfected.

Eventually, the samba drums were not the only musical instruments that were in use.

The trumpet and the classical guitar also began to be used.

In fact, it is believed by some that, the most authentic forms of genres that gave rise to samba were played only through string instruments!

Brazilian music became universally famous because of samba and the number of people who are fans of this truly infectious genre.

Samba dancing has evolved as well, since its inception.

This form of dancing involves hip gyration movements, which are said to have originated from circle dances found in many African cultures.

Modern samba became exceedingly popular beginning in the middle of the 20th century, which eventually led to it being recognized by UNESCO as well!

The rhythm in samba is repetitive, which makes it a great genre to dance to!

If you have ever heard traditional samba, you may have noticed a call and response type rhythm, this is also common in the samba music produced today.

One of the greatest features of samba is how layers of beats from different percussion instruments are brought together.

In samba, percussion instruments of varying pitches are used.

One of the most interesting samba music facts is that samba schools in Brazil hold a lot of importance in the community.

This is because while samba does signify a huge chunk of Brazil's history, it is also important for the country's present-day economy.

Samba schools employ as many as 4000 people annually for a single carnival performance.

Parent Genres Of Samba Music

The roots of samba give us insight into how culturally important music can be!

Samba music is said to have originated from African music. Many people notice similarities between them.

Traditional African music heavily depends on the usage of percussion instruments, the same is maintained in the case of samba as well.

Traditional samba is more inclined towards the use of African methods and beats.

On the other hand, modern samba music incorporates aspects of the music culture of Latin America.

Samba de Gafieira is a style of samba which typically danced to slower rhythms and features elegant steps and movements.

Bossa nova is an innovative genre of music, which incorporates aspects of samba and cool jazz together.

Samba music has different versions, many of which have originated from different parts of Brazil. The range of samba can also be influenced by the different cultures within Brazil.

For example, a different version of samba is said to have originated from São Paulo, which once had a remote community.

Samba rock is a genre of samba that is traditional samba music with elements of rock and roll.

Samba rock is often performed by bands that play electric guitars, basses, and drums.

Ballroom samba is a dance form which is a form of couple dance, that also owes its origin to some Afro-Brazilian rituals.

Rio de Janeiro has been hosting carnivals every year since 1723.

Samba music forms an important part of the carnival parade.

This genre is characterized by the call and response type of lyrics.

Samba dancing often calls for very rapid foot movements.

Instruments Used In Samba Music

Traditional samba music and the genre that is now popularized all over the world are very different. Understandably, the genre has gone through many changes throughout the centuries it has been in existence, and as a result, many instruments have been included in samba schools!

One of the most important parts of samba music is that it calls for the entire drum kit.

Many different types of percussion instruments are used in samba music.

Some of the important instruments used in samba are repinique, Caixa, Surdo, Agogo, Ganza, Pandeiro and Chocalho.

The saxophone, classical guitar, seven-string guitar, friction drum, bass guitar, and the Tarol may also be used!

The kind of instruments being played is highly dependent on the sub-genre of samba being played or produced.

In samba music, the sounds of many percussion instruments are layered to create the desired effect.

This also makes samba dance fairly complicated since dancers have to keep pace with the beats!

Drums used in samba are made out of very light materials, which makes it possible for the artists to carry them around!

Famous Samba Artists

Samba schools are found all over the world. The fame and acclaim of this music genre are such that people are keen on learning how to either play samba music or dance to the beats. At the same time, many people are recognized as some of the best samba artists of all time!

Some of the most famous samba musicians are Cartola, Carmen Miranda, Braguinha, Beth Carvalho, Chico Buarque, Jorge Ben Jor, Paulinho da Viola and Noel Rosa!

During carnival celebrations held in Rio de Janeiro, samba schools are asked to prepare their own floats.

The local samba school then gathers people to create their own songs and choreography.

The making of afloat, along with the composition of music and its accompanying music takes the year-long efforts of as many as 4000 people.

The carnival parade of Rio de Janeiro carries on for around six days, if not more.

In this parade, each samba school makes its own music depending on the theme chosen for its float.

Some of the most famous samba dancers in the world are Renata Santos, Sabrina Sato, Monique Alfradique, Viviane Araújo, and Raissa de Oliveira.