Meet the team: Faces of the Rhythm
Meet Pilar
Originally from the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro, Pilar is one of Batala London's Band Directors and Lead Choreographer. A talented Latin dancer and choreographer, she blends her movement expertise with the rhythms of samba-reggae to help create the dynamic and captivating performances for which Batala London is known.
Since joining Batala in 2006, Pilar has taught the official choreography from Batala Mundo to the London band, ensuring the group performs with precision and authenticity in line with the global Batala vision. Alongside her creative leadership, she plays a key role in the life of the band and its presence at events, helping to bring Batala London’s energy and rhythm to stages across the city and beyond.
She appears in “60 Seconds with Batala London”, filmed during a Batala London rehearsal session. Notting Hill Carnival visited as part of their 60th year celebrations.
Film by: @313bloom (Kimberley Dobbs) for Notting Hill Carnival.
Meet Lucy
Lucy is a passionate leader within the Batala family, deeply connected to the rhythms and cultural heritage of samba‑reggae. In 2010, she co‑founded Batala London with Angus Sutherland and Liam Emerson, helping shape the group into a thriving community of drummers. Her leadership continues to guide Batala London as a cornerstone of the UK samba‑reggae scene, where it celebrates diversity, rhythm and unity.
Meet Giba
Giba Gonçalves, born in Salvador de Bahia, Brazil, is a dynamic artist who blends his skills as a dancer and percussionist. He has performed with renowned Brazilian groups like Ilê Aiyê, Olodum, Muzenza and Tupi Nago, immersing himself in the vibrant rhythms of Afro‑Brazilian music. Giba continues to share his passion with global audiences, performing with the iconic band Kaoma and other European groups, carrying the essence of Brazilian culture wherever he goes.
Now based in Paris, where he relocated in 1997, Giba leads Tambourlode, a celebrated drumming ensemble, and drives Batala as its founder and creative force. With a powerful ensemble of more than 80 percussionists, Batala thrives under Giba’s direction, playing his original samba‑reggae compositions. Today, his vision connects nearly 47 bands and more than 1,500 drummers around the world in a shared rhythm and cultural celebration.
If you’d like to experience Batala London from the inside, visit our Drum with Us page.