Batala Mundo: A Global Symphony

Formed in Paris in 1997 by renowned musician Giba Gonçalves, Batala is a non‑profit international community music project. All money earned from performances is put back into the band. Drums and costumes are sourced directly from Salvador, Bahia, and every Batala group around the world wears replica costumes and plays the same repertoire.

 

Originating in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, samba reggae was created by Neguinho do Samba in the early 1970s when he fused traditional Brazilian samba rhythms with the Jamaican reggae that had entered the Brazilian charts at the time.

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Since then, samba reggae has grown into a distinctive sound in north east Brazil. Bands such as Ilê Aiyê, Olodum and Timbalada have carried the style to global audiences, helping it become one of the most recognisable Afro‑Brazilian rhythms in the world.