Samba

Brazilian music · dance · African roots · rhythm

Born in Brazil. Samba started in the Afro-Brazilian communities of Bahia and Rio de Janeiro in the late 1800s and early 1900s. It came from West African musical traditions that enslaved people brought to Brazil.

Dance and music together. The word samba originally meant a popular dance, but over time it grew to mean a whole music style and dance genre. People danced in circles while playing rhythmic music together.

Became official in 1917. Samba became recognized as its own music genre in the 1910s. The song 'Pelo Telefone' in 1917 was a major landmark that helped establish samba as a real musical style.

Symbol of Brazil. Samba grew to become one of the most important cultural symbols of Brazil. It represents the country's rich blend of African, Portuguese, and Brazilian traditions.

Many rhythmic styles. Samba isn't just one style, it's an umbrella term for many rhythmic variations. Different forms like samba urbano carioca and samba de roda each have their own unique feel and history.