© 2025 Davide Roberto
Batida Solar is an educational project dedicated to the creation of a study group focused on Afro-Brazilian percussion and rhythms. This program not only offers a unique opportunity to explore the deep musical connections between Brazil, particularly its northeast, and Africa, but will also introduce you to the fascinating world of Brazilian percussion. Before diving into the details of the project, a brief mention of the historical context of the musical link between Brazil and Africa. This relationship has its roots in the tragic era of the slave trade, during which millions of Africans were deported to Brazil. Bringing with them their rich musical traditions, these individuals contributed significantly to the formation of an exceptionally diverse musical heritage. Afro-Brazilian percussion represents a fundamental core of this cultural heritage, and through its performance, it is possible to perceive the echo of centuries of cultural interaction between Brazil and Africa. The instruments that will be used in our study path:
Conga: A percussion instrument characterized by a cylindrical drum with a skin stretched over a wooden frame. It is distinguished by producing deep and rich sounds.
Timbau: A conical drum, similar to the conga but with a more tapered shape, known for its versatility and its ability to produce powerful sounds very similar to those of a Djembe.
Pandeiro: A frame drum with a skin stretched over a wooden frame, widely used for creating engaging rhythms.
Cajon: A wooden box of Peruvian origin on which one sits and which is played with the hands, allowing the generation of a wide range of percussive sounds.
Rebolo: A drum of small size but with remarkable resonance. Used to emphasize the main rhythmic structure of Samba.
Surdo: A large cylindrical drum that plays a crucial role in Brazilian samba schools. Repique: A small, high-pitched drum that adds highly precise accents to the rhythms in Samba Batucada and Samba Reggae.
Caixa: A sort of "snare drum" used in Batucada and Samba Reggae.
Tamborim: A small drum with a stretched skin that is played with sticks or with the fingers.
Shaker/Caxixi: Percussion instruments consisting of a basket containing small stones or seeds, which produce sharp sounds. Agogô: A two-tone cowbell that adds a distinctive melodic element to Brazilian rhythms.
The study program covers a wide range of Brazilian musical styles, each of which offers a unique perspective on the richness and diversity of Brazilian music:
Samba de Roda: The traditional samba originating from Bahia, characterized by engaging dances and enveloping rhythms.
Ijexá: A rhythm and musical style originating from Brazil, with strong roots in Afro-Brazilian traditions. This rhythm is often associated with Afro-Brazilian religious cultures, particularly Candomblé.
Samba Reggae: A fusion between Brazilian samba and Jamaican reggae influences.
Samba Batucada: The percussive samba at the heart of the famous carnival parades.
Baiao and Forró: A traditional musical genre from Northeastern Brazil, characterized by engaging and festive rhythms. Maracatu: A form of Afro-Brazilian music and dance associated with religious and cultural celebrations.
Maculele: A warrior dance that involves the use of sticks and machetes, with powerful percussive rhythms.
Cabila: Traditional music of African slaves, rich in spirituality and history.
Barravento: An engaging rhythm belonging to the world of Atabaque and Candomblé.
The course is open to beginners and/or experts. What matters is the passion for music and the desire to learn and grow together.
Download the presentation in pdf: Batida Solar with Davide Roberto.
Info
Cell : +393335493878
Email: drdavideroberto@gmail.com