Many different styles of music are included on the list of popular Brazilian music.

Brazil has over 500 years of music history that began with Jesuit priests coming to the country and trying to infuse the indigenous people's music with more religious lyrics and rhythms.

The best way to describe the music heard in Brazil is that it's original and unique. Each style has its own beat, rhythm, and sound.

Various instruments are used to create interesting sounds that range from slow and sensuous to what might be referred to as a frenzied acoustic beat. Every genre of Brazilian music is appreciated throughout the country and in many places around the world.

The first African music heard in Brazil was lundu. This music was accompanied by a dance that was deemed a bit too erotic at that time, so the dance was no longer done in public as of the 18th century, but the music was still played and enjoyed.

Lundu music is a blend of the Argentinean tango, polka, and Cuban Habanera. It's was the beginnings of what is now recognized as Brazil's very first urban dance music, or maxixe. Nowadays, the dance has been included along with the music. It's still popular throughout Brazil.

Samba is by far the most popular and most recognized music style in Brazil. The Samba has a special swing sound to it. The notes that make up the music are not right on the beat, but rather a bit offbeat. They come together to create an addictive style of music that instinctively makes you want to move your hips and feet, but not in a jerky manner, but rather a fast, fluid motion. It's excellent party or festival music. Samba is most often heard in southeastern and northeast Brazil in the cities of Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Salvador. Popular Samba artists include Dorival Caymmi, Martinho da Vila, Carmen Miranda, Pixinguinha, Ary Barroso, Beth Carvalho, and Alcione.

Forro music is Brazil's version of country music. It's just the right combination of notes and instruments to make you want to stomp your feet and square dance! The instruments used to create this style of music include percussion, guitar, accordion, triangle, and flute. It's a rapid dance that you just have to move to! It's heard most often in the northeastern regions of Brazil.

MPB, or Musica Popular Brasileira, combines the sensuous sounds of samba with folk music, pop music, and rock music. It's one of the most recent and contemporary music trends in Brazil, but it has caught on quickly. It's wonderful background music for a party or for simply sitting outside enjoying the summer air. Popular Brazilian music artists of MPB include Gal Costa, Rita Lee, Marisa Monte, Elis Regina, Gilberto Gil, Maria Bethania, and Adriana Calcanhotto, to name a few.

Bossa nova was historically created with a guitar, piano, and a vocalist, but nowadays an orchestra can create a wonderful blend of soft sounds with more than one vocalist. It can be equated to elevator music in the United States.

The song called The Girls from Ipanema, written by Antonio Carlos Jobim, was the first Bossa nova style song that became popular outside of Brazil. Artists associated with this style of music include Elis Regina, Toquinho, Tom Jobim, Vinicius de Moraes, and Joao Gilberto.

Frevo is an energetic style of music most popular in northeast Brazil. The style is simplistic in nature played by a small band of traditionally three people. Today, you can hear frevo played from the back of a pick up truck or on stage complete with amplifiers and microphones.

Frevo is the primary music played for the Salvadoran Carnival in Brazil each year. It's energetic beat gets everyone in the party mood and makes you feel like celebrating. Popular frevo artists: Nelson Ferreira, Dodo & Osmar, Luperce Miranda, Irmaos Valenca, and Oswaldo Santiago.

Other popular Brazilian music styles include choro, brega, maracatu, Brazilian rock, and axe, to name a few. No matter where you go in Brazil, you will hear music. It might be slow and sensual, it might be frenzied and celebratory, or it might be the soft sounds of classical and operatic music. Everyone can find a music style they will like in Brazil!

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Brazil history is quite unique, and begins nearly 8,000 years ago. In modern times the history of Brazil includes several different types of government. Brazil has been a constitutional monarchy, known as the Empire of Brazil, as well as a military dictatorship and a federal republic.

Documentation of very early Brazil history begins with the entrance of the first indigenous people into Brazil. According to historians, these people entered the land we now know as Brazil via the Bering land bridge to cross Alaska and then continuing on into Central and North America.

Unfortunately, we know very little about the first indigenous inhabitants and tribes of Brazil, as they lived so long ago, and they didn't leave much behind for historians to see. There were no writings or permanent structures left behind to study.

It's a widely accepted notion that Brazil received its name from the brazilwood tree that was harvested there and traded in Europe by sailors.

Most historical accounts about Brazil history name Pedro Alvares Cabral, a Portuguese man, as the first person to discover the land of Brazil in 1500. It wasn't until 1531 however that actual settlers were sent to the country of Brazil.

Over the next several decades, the indigenous Indian tribes of Brazil were cut in half by colonizers and roaming opportunists entering the country and killing them as they went.

This is a very sad chapter in the history of Brazil. Those who were not murdered died from the diseases the outsiders brought into the country.

In 1531, King Joao III sent 400 settlers to the land of Brazil. The king decreed that Brazil's coastline be divided into 250km plots and ruled by captains appointed by the king.

A mere two of those groups survived the Indians, Dutch, and French and proved successful. The country of Brazil was a Portuguese colony throughout the 16th, 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries.

Beginning in 1550, slaves were brought from Africa to work Brazil's sugar cane fields. They were also used to work the gold mine fields for a time until the gold ran out. Thankfully, slavery in Brazil was abolished in 1888.

Coffee entered Brazil sometime in the early 1800s. Nine years later, coffee accounted for nearly 2/3 of Brazil's exports! By this time, sugar cane production had all but stopped, so coffee beans filled in the gaps in the Brazilian economy. The rubber tree was discovered in the late 1800s and became a significant export for Brazil by 1912.

On September 7, 1822, Brazil declared independence from Portuguese rule. The country became the Empire of Brazil and operated as a constitutional monarchy.

During this time, there were two rulers - Pedro I and Pedro II. Pedro I ruled as emperor from 1822 to 1831, at which time his five-year-old son became emperor and ruled from 1831 to 1889.

The year 1889 - a republican government was established as a result of a military coup. The man who led the coup, General Deodoro da Fonseca, was Brazil's first de facto president. Brazil's name was changed to the Republic of the United States of Brazil. The constitutional democracy in Brazil lasted from 1889 through 1930.

Getulio Vargas took power of the government via a military coup in 1930. He was dictator over Brazil through 1934. He was elected president by Congress in 1937 and ruled as such until 1945 at which time he was again a dictator.

The people of Brazil elected Vargas president in 1951 and he remained their president until he took his life in 1954. The country continued under a democratic government until 1964.

Another military coup in 1964 resulted in the military dictatorship over Brazil through 1985. The economy was almost completely destroyed and thousands of Brazilians were forced to leave the country or murdered during this time. Brazil's name changed in 1967 to Federative Republic of Brazil.

This traumatic time in Brazil history is relatively recent and there are still people alive today who lived through these terrible times.

We'd go to troca dineiro ("change money") to change our U.S. dollars to Brazilian currency and the values fluctuated so wildly that it was almost impossible to predict exactly what the money would be worth the next day! Soon after this they switched to the Brazilian Real, prounouced hay - al.

My husband is a musician and he absolutely loves Brazilian music. For this reason I have a special interest in the amazing and beautiful music created in Brazil. I will be devoting more to this topic soon!

How did the unique style of Brazilian music develop? The Jesuits brought music to the indigenous people of Brazil and what followed was a culturally rich history of musicians and composers. Throughout the years of Brazil history, many types of music were created and embraced despite the dictatorship rule that held the country in its grip for 21 years.

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A lot can be learned about a culture through its music and that is true of Brazilian music lyrics. The lyrics and the rhythm allow you to see the style and character of the people who listen to it.

Brazilian music is passionate music; full of joy and celebration. Brazilians know how to enjoy life and it is demonstrated by the Brazilian music lyrics. However, the music of Brazil is not just one style, but many styles that have been changed and adapted by the various cultures that are a part of the country.

The music you hear today is a mix of the cultural diversity that has always been a part of Brazil’s history. You will hear influences from AmerIndian, African, and Portuguese heritages along with global sources to create a rich sound.

One of the best known styles of Brazil music is the samba, which has become famous throughout the world. The Bossa Nova is another style that has become recognized. Other styles that are not as well-known include:

The first instance of music in Brazil was by two Jesuit priests, who founded schools for the indigenous people with a music education focus. The people developed a strong fascination with European music.

While Brazil practices instrumental music in various styles, lyrics have also been an important part of the culture. The earliest composers wrote librettos for theatre comedies and later, lyrics and music for operas.

At the beginning of the 20th century, focus for musicians was on creating a Brazil style of music that was less European influenced.

Ernesto Nazareth was one of the most famous composers of choro music, which is often instrumental. It was a popular style of music in the early 20th century, but lost its mass appeal until it was revived in the 1970s.

Bossa Nova music has yielded the biggest Brazil international hit in “The Girl from Ipanema.” The music was written by Antonio Carlos Jobim and the Portuguese lyrics were written by Vinicius de Moraes. It became a big hit in the United States when English lyrics were added by Norman Gimbel.

The hit song made the charts in the US and the United Kingdom, as well as other countries around the world. It was inspired by a girl who lived in an affluent area of Ipanema and walked past a popular café by the beach. The lyrics made her a celebrity.

The song speaks about a golden teenage girl, who is beautiful and elegant. It is sad to see her as she walks to the sea because she carries a youth that fades, a beauty that cannot last, according to the writers of the song.

Jobim wrote many songs during his time that have become famous, including “Desafinado.” It has received worldwide attention and had English versions created.

One of the most famous songs to come from Brazil is “Aquarela do Brasil” that was written in 1939 by Ary Barroso. The title means “watercolor of Brazil” and is often just called Brazil in English-speaking countries.

The song was written on a rainy night, along with “Tres Lagrimas.” The song, a samba, strays from the traditional lyrics of sambas, which was the author’s intent. He is quoted as saying that he felt like another person when he wrote the song.

The 1950s saw a new style emerge called the bossa nova. The lyrics showed a romantic, soft side of Brazil that was becoming more prevalent at the time. Jobim was a leader of the music during this era.

During the late 1960s, a new form of music evolved called Tropicalia. The lyrics were political to reflect what was happening around the world. Two big artists at the time, Caetano Veloso and Gilberto Gil, were exiled to England by the military government because of their lyrics in their songs.

One of the big songs of the time was “Desparada,” a song about the dictatorship that was in effect at the time. It talks about political awareness as a call for people to get involved in what was going on.

“A Banda” was also a popular song of the time that talked about the hopelessness felt by society. A feeling of hope is also evoked by the lyrics as the song wavers between the two emotions.

Music is heard everywhere in Brazil. It’s played in businesses and homes, in stores and schools, and even in the street. It’s part of family celebrations and all of the festivals throughout Brazil.

There are many styles to Brazil music. Most people think of the dance music that the country is famous for, but you will also find a mellow sound from people like Luisa Maita and Gui Boratto.

Other famous musicians include names such as CeU, Romulo Froes, and Los Hermanos. Each one has their own unique style, but all are a representation of the music that is Brazil.

The most popular style of music you will hear on Brazil radio is called sertanejo. It is similar to American country music and uses a guitar, accordion, harmonica, electric guitar, bass, and drums. This style began in the 1920s and today, it has its own category at the Grammy awards.

In the early days of sertanejo music, the lyrics talk about the beauty of the land and man’s inner life. Today, they are more focused on women, drinking, and the heartbreak of betrayal.

One can learn much about the people of Brazil by listening to their music. You will understand who they are by studying the Brazilian music lyrics that show their inner thoughts and ideas.

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Brazilian singers bring the various music styles of Brazil to life! Brazil's music genres are amazingly diverse ranging from rock to jazz to pop to folk. Music styles such as choro, MPB, samba, and bossa nova are just a few of the ones you'll hear when listening to popular music singers in Brazil.

Beautiful and uplifting music is good for the soul, so we're going to list some Brazilian vocalists here for your enjoyment.

This band came onto the music scene in 1976, split up in 1985, but produced five records from the time they got together in 1976 until 2002. They may no longer be together as a band, but their music is still popular - a fun, easygoing mixture of funk, jazz, and some sounds of samba. It's easy to listen to and would be great background music for a cookout or get together.
Banda Black Rio

She is one of Brazil's most popular singers and she'll definitely get your heart pumping with her mix of musical styles of Latin pop music, MPB and Axe rock!
Ivete Sangalo

Easy-to-listen-to music played by Chico on guitar and accompanied by his clear beautiful voice. He sings about the economy, social issues, and culture of Rio de Janeiro and Brazil in general.
Chico Buarque

Sara has a gorgeous, romantic voice that captures your attention and keeps you listening to more and more as she sings. She writes lyrics that sound like poetry as she sings them. Very mellow listening music. You won't be disappointed!
Sara Bentes

This Brazilian singer is known best for his amazing vocal range. He plays the guitar and writes music that is best known as MPB, or Musica Popular Brasileira. It has a good beat without being all out rock music.
Milton Nascimento

Astrud Gilberto is probably best known for her performance of Girl From Ipanema, but she also sings many other beautiful songs. Her lilting voice lends itself to soft listening music - perfect for a quiet evening or simply relaxing.
Astrud Gilberto

Gilberto Gil, known affectionately as just Gil, incorporates several different music styles into his songs including rock, bossa nova, MPB, samba, reggae, tropicalia, and African music. He's fun to listen to and gets your foot tapping and body swaying in no time.
Gilberto Gil

Marisa sings a beautiful, romantic combination of MPB and pop rock tunes. She has sung with other Brazilian vocalists in folk and samba music styles.
Marisa Monte

Want to get your toes tapping, body movin' and truly enjoying the beat of the music? You're going to love Daniella Mercury! She is one of Brazil's most popular Brazilian singers, winning awards and the love of the Brazilian people. Her music combines the rhythmic sounds of samba and axe and the softer sounds of MPB.
Daniella Mercury

Adriana is a MPB style singer with an easy-to-listen-to voice that carries you along while you work, relax, play, or enjoy talking with friends.
Adriana Calcanhotto

Known as the Father of Bossa Nova, he plays the guitar and sings with a soft, whisper-like voice. He rarely sings with any other instruments other than his own guitar. He likes to use his guitar to create different sounds in some of his songs.
Joao Gilberto

Gal sings songs with a mixture of MPB, tropicalia, and pop with a clear and uplifting voice. She is a vocalist and a guitar player with a background in classical music.
Gal Costa

Best known for his bossa nova style of music, he also dabbled in the MPB music movement. Some of his music might be dubbed elevator music here in the U.S. He passed away in 1994, but his music remains some of the most popular and beloved music in Brazil.
Antonio Carlos Jobin

Jorge is best known for his talent with samba and another music style called pagode. He seems to truly enjoy performing and smiles a lot while he sings. It's easy listening music with a nice rhythm going too.
Jorge Aragao

Caetano Veloso brings a unique mix of musical styles to you by mixing up tropicalia, MPB, psychedelic rock, pop music, and standards music style. He likes to incorporate Brazil folk music and rhythms into his songs as well.
Caetano Veloso

Niece of Chico Buarque, she is best known for singing bossa nova style songs. She has a beautifully calming voice that draws you in and makes you want to hear more.
Babel Gilberto

More Popular Brazilian Singers

Maria Bethalho

Eliana Printes

Clara Nunes

Cibelle

Bia

Ana Carolina

Maria Rita

Rabo de Lagartixa

Simone

Wanda Sa

Music Styles of Brazilian Singers

We've mentioned several music styles here, but what do they each mean?

Bossa Nova - instruments used to create this sound include nylon-string guitar, tamborim, and the piano. Unique to bossa nova, the guitar is played with the fingers rather than a pick.

Choro - instruments like the cavaquinho, flute, clarinet, trumpet, mandolin, guitar, trombone, and saxophone create a happy, fun rhythm that makes you want to dance.

MPB - Musica Popular Brasileira is a unique combination of music styles like jazz, pop, folk and rock with some samba rhythms tossed in here and there.

Tropicalia - this music style takes rock and roll and some of the most original African and Brazilian rhythms and puts it together in music.

Pagode - this is a sub-genre of the popular sound of samba using three unique instruments: banjo, reique de mao, and the tan-tan.

Axe - one of the most diverse styles of music because it blends together several musical styles and genres including Forro, Marcha, Calypso, Carixada, Frevo, and Reggae.

Brazil is filled with amazingly talented Brazilian singers and musicians! There is a style and a sound for everyone!

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The first Brazilian musical instruments were flutes, horns, whistles, and rattles with an accompaniment of hands clapping and feet stomping.

Over the last several hundred years, instruments from various countries have influenced Brazil's music styles and sounds.

There are several different instruments used to make beautiful music, but these are some of the most popular or well-known Brazilian musical instruments used in dances, religious ceremonies, and just for simple enjoyment.

The atabaque is a hand drum with Afro-Brazilian origin. There are three types of atabaque drums. The tallest one is the Rum, which is the tallest of the three and produces a low sound. The medium high atabaque is called the Rum-Pi and as you might expect, it produces a medium percussion sound. The smallest atabaque drum is called the Le, producing a high percussion sound.

These drums are created from wood called Jacaranda, which is found in Brazil. Calfskin is used to stretch over the top of the drum. Metal rings surround the drum at the top or head and toward the bottom of the drum. Roping is stretched between these two metal rings and can be tightened or loosened to adjust the pitch of the drum. Wedges of wood are fitted tightly in between the bottom metal ring and the drum, which also affects the sound of the drum.

Atabaque drums are played for the Maculele and the Capoeira dances. They're also played during Candomble religious services.

The Maracatu refers to both a type of music and style of dance or performance in Brazil. The alfaia drum is used prominently in this style of music as well as the mangue. This drum originated in Pernambuco, Brazil. The appearance of an alfaia might remind you of the drums used by the U.S. military, as they are round and squatty in stature.

Photo by Lionel Baur, via Wikimedia Commons

The Ganza is a tubular shaped cylinder made from metal, plastic, or basket materials woven by hand. It's filled with cereal, sand, metal balls, or beads to create a unique shaker instrument. The Ganza was brought to Brazil by African slaves years ago and now is often played in samba music.

The cavaquinho was brought to Brazil by the Portuguese explorers. Cavaquinhos are made from wood and outfitted with four wire strings. This small guitar type instrument is used ogten in Chorinho and Samba music.

The pitch and sound of an agogo bell will vary depending on size and shape, but the most recognized agogo bell is two bells attached to metal shaped like the letter U. Striking the bell with a wooden stick creates musical sounds. The agogo was fashioned after bell-style instruments from the Yoruba people from West Africa.

A pandeiro resembles a tambourine and is played much in the same manner by holding it in one hand and striking it with the other hand to make music. It's essentially a hand drum.

The head of a pandeiro can be adjusted to create high or low pitches. The pandeiro is surrounded with metal jingles that can be shaken to produce sound. Brazilian music styles in which a pandeiro is used: choro, samba, capoeira, and coco.

This Brazilian musical instrument is a percussion instrument made from a wooden bow, gourd, and a steel string. The steel string is secured to the wooden bow and the gourd is then attached to the bow.

The berimbau is about 4-5 feet in length so that the gourd can rest on the abdomen and the hands are free to hold the wooden stick to strike the steel string.

The tones of the berimbau vary from low, medium to high, depending upon the quality of the gourds used and the hardness and diameter of the wood.

Sounds that are made with the berimbau are in three main categories, an open string sound, a high sound, and a buzzing sound.

There are many other musical instruments used to create the unique music styles of Brazil. They include:

These are just a few of the Brazilian musical instruments we've discovered. Do you know of other musical instruments from Brazil that we have not mentioned here? Please share with us!

What additional Brazilian musical instruments do you know of? Please share, and add a picture too!

Click below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...

View the original article here

Brazilian singers bring the various music styles of Brazil to life! Brazil's music genres are amazingly diverse ranging from rock to jazz to pop to folk. Music styles such as choro, MPB, samba, and bossa nova are just a few of the ones you'll hear when listening to popular music singers in Brazil.

Beautiful and uplifting music is good for the soul, so we're going to list some Brazilian vocalists here for your enjoyment.

This band came onto the music scene in 1976, split up in 1985, but produced five records from the time they got together in 1976 until 2002. They may no longer be together as a band, but their music is still popular - a fun, easygoing mixture of funk, jazz, and some sounds of samba. It's easy to listen to and would be great background music for a cookout or get together.
Banda Black Rio

She is one of Brazil's most popular singers and she'll definitely get your heart pumping with her mix of musical styles of Latin pop music, MPB and Axe rock!
Ivete Sangalo

Easy-to-listen-to music played by Chico on guitar and accompanied by his clear beautiful voice. He sings about the economy, social issues, and culture of Rio de Janeiro and Brazil in general.
Chico Buarque

Sara has a gorgeous, romantic voice that captures your attention and keeps you listening to more and more as she sings. She writes lyrics that sound like poetry as she sings them. Very mellow listening music. You won't be disappointed!
Sara Bentes

This Brazilian singer is known best for his amazing vocal range. He plays the guitar and writes music that is best known as MPB, or Musica Popular Brasileira. It has a good beat without being all out rock music.
Milton Nascimento

Astrud Gilberto is probably best known for her performance of Girl From Ipanema, but she also sings many other beautiful songs. Her lilting voice lends itself to soft listening music - perfect for a quiet evening or simply relaxing.
Astrud Gilberto

Gilberto Gil, known affectionately as just Gil, incorporates several different music styles into his songs including rock, bossa nova, MPB, samba, reggae, tropicalia, and African music. He's fun to listen to and gets your foot tapping and body swaying in no time.
Gilberto Gil

Marisa sings a beautiful, romantic combination of MPB and pop rock tunes. She has sung with other Brazilian vocalists in folk and samba music styles.
Marisa Monte

Want to get your toes tapping, body movin' and truly enjoying the beat of the music? You're going to love Daniella Mercury! She is one of Brazil's most popular Brazilian singers, winning awards and the love of the Brazilian people. Her music combines the rhythmic sounds of samba and axe and the softer sounds of MPB.
Daniella Mercury

Adriana is a MPB style singer with an easy-to-listen-to voice that carries you along while you work, relax, play, or enjoy talking with friends.
Adriana Calcanhotto

Known as the Father of Bossa Nova, he plays the guitar and sings with a soft, whisper-like voice. He rarely sings with any other instruments other than his own guitar. He likes to use his guitar to create different sounds in some of his songs.
Joao Gilberto

Gal sings songs with a mixture of MPB, tropicalia, and pop with a clear and uplifting voice. She is a vocalist and a guitar player with a background in classical music.
Gal Costa

Best known for his bossa nova style of music, he also dabbled in the MPB music movement. Some of his music might be dubbed elevator music here in the U.S. He passed away in 1994, but his music remains some of the most popular and beloved music in Brazil.
Antonio Carlos Jobin

Jorge is best known for his talent with samba and another music style called pagode. He seems to truly enjoy performing and smiles a lot while he sings. It's easy listening music with a nice rhythm going too.
Jorge Aragao

Caetano Veloso brings a unique mix of musical styles to you by mixing up tropicalia, MPB, psychedelic rock, pop music, and standards music style. He likes to incorporate Brazil folk music and rhythms into his songs as well.
Caetano Veloso

Niece of Chico Buarque, she is best known for singing bossa nova style songs. She has a beautifully calming voice that draws you in and makes you want to hear more.
Babel Gilberto

More Popular Brazilian Singers

Maria Bethalho

Eliana Printes

Clara Nunes

Cibelle

Bia

Ana Carolina

Maria Rita

Rabo de Lagartixa

Simone

Wanda Sa

Music Styles of Brazilian Singers

We've mentioned several music styles here, but what do they each mean?

Bossa Nova - instruments used to create this sound include nylon-string guitar, tamborim, and the piano. Unique to bossa nova, the guitar is played with the fingers rather than a pick.

Choro - instruments like the cavaquinho, flute, clarinet, trumpet, mandolin, guitar, trombone, and saxophone create a happy, fun rhythm that makes you want to dance.

MPB - Musica Popular Brasileira is a unique combination of music styles like jazz, pop, folk and rock with some samba rhythms tossed in here and there.

Tropicalia - this music style takes rock and roll and some of the most original African and Brazilian rhythms and puts it together in music.

Pagode - this is a sub-genre of the popular sound of samba using three unique instruments: banjo, reique de mao, and the tan-tan.

Axe - one of the most diverse styles of music because it blends together several musical styles and genres including Forro, Marcha, Calypso, Carixada, Frevo, and Reggae.

Brazil is filled with amazingly talented Brazilian singers and musicians! There is a style and a sound for everyone!

View the original article here

The first Brazilian musical instruments were flutes, horns, whistles, and rattles with an accompaniment of hands clapping and feet stomping.

Over the last several hundred years, instruments from various countries have influenced Brazil's music styles and sounds.

There are several different instruments used to make beautiful music, but these are some of the most popular or well-known Brazilian musical instruments used in dances, religious ceremonies, and just for simple enjoyment.

The atabaque is a hand drum with Afro-Brazilian origin. There are three types of atabaque drums. The tallest one is the Rum, which is the tallest of the three and produces a low sound. The medium high atabaque is called the Rum-Pi and as you might expect, it produces a medium percussion sound. The smallest atabaque drum is called the Le, producing a high percussion sound.

These drums are created from wood called Jacaranda, which is found in Brazil. Calfskin is used to stretch over the top of the drum. Metal rings surround the drum at the top or head and toward the bottom of the drum. Roping is stretched between these two metal rings and can be tightened or loosened to adjust the pitch of the drum. Wedges of wood are fitted tightly in between the bottom metal ring and the drum, which also affects the sound of the drum.

Atabaque drums are played for the Maculele and the Capoeira dances. They're also played during Candomble religious services.

The Maracatu refers to both a type of music and style of dance or performance in Brazil. The alfaia drum is used prominently in this style of music as well as the mangue. This drum originated in Pernambuco, Brazil. The appearance of an alfaia might remind you of the drums used by the U.S. military, as they are round and squatty in stature.

Photo by Lionel Baur, via Wikimedia Commons

The Ganza is a tubular shaped cylinder made from metal, plastic, or basket materials woven by hand. It's filled with cereal, sand, metal balls, or beads to create a unique shaker instrument. The Ganza was brought to Brazil by African slaves years ago and now is often played in samba music.

The cavaquinho was brought to Brazil by the Portuguese explorers. Cavaquinhos are made from wood and outfitted with four wire strings. This small guitar type instrument is used ogten in Chorinho and Samba music.

The pitch and sound of an agogo bell will vary depending on size and shape, but the most recognized agogo bell is two bells attached to metal shaped like the letter U. Striking the bell with a wooden stick creates musical sounds. The agogo was fashioned after bell-style instruments from the Yoruba people from West Africa.

A pandeiro resembles a tambourine and is played much in the same manner by holding it in one hand and striking it with the other hand to make music. It's essentially a hand drum.

The head of a pandeiro can be adjusted to create high or low pitches. The pandeiro is surrounded with metal jingles that can be shaken to produce sound. Brazilian music styles in which a pandeiro is used: choro, samba, capoeira, and coco.

This Brazilian musical instrument is a percussion instrument made from a wooden bow, gourd, and a steel string. The steel string is secured to the wooden bow and the gourd is then attached to the bow.

The berimbau is about 4-5 feet in length so that the gourd can rest on the abdomen and the hands are free to hold the wooden stick to strike the steel string.

The tones of the berimbau vary from low, medium to high, depending upon the quality of the gourds used and the hardness and diameter of the wood.

Sounds that are made with the berimbau are in three main categories, an open string sound, a high sound, and a buzzing sound.

There are many other musical instruments used to create the unique music styles of Brazil. They include:

These are just a few of the Brazilian musical instruments we've discovered. Do you know of other musical instruments from Brazil that we have not mentioned here? Please share with us!

What additional Brazilian musical instruments do you know of? Please share, and add a picture too!

Click below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...

View the original article here

Brazil history is quite unique, and begins nearly 8,000 years ago. In modern times the history of Brazil includes several different types of government. Brazil has been a constitutional monarchy, known as the Empire of Brazil, as well as a military dictatorship and a federal republic.

Documentation of very early Brazil history begins with the entrance of the first indigenous people into Brazil. According to historians, these people entered the land we now know as Brazil via the Bering land bridge to cross Alaska and then continuing on into Central and North America.

Unfortunately, we know very little about the first indigenous inhabitants and tribes of Brazil, as they lived so long ago, and they didn't leave much behind for historians to see. There were no writings or permanent structures left behind to study.

It's a widely accepted notion that Brazil received its name from the brazilwood tree that was harvested there and traded in Europe by sailors.

Most historical accounts about Brazil history name Pedro Alvares Cabral, a Portuguese man, as the first person to discover the land of Brazil in 1500. It wasn't until 1531 however that actual settlers were sent to the country of Brazil.

Over the next several decades, the indigenous Indian tribes of Brazil were cut in half by colonizers and roaming opportunists entering the country and killing them as they went.

This is a very sad chapter in the history of Brazil. Those who were not murdered died from the diseases the outsiders brought into the country.

In 1531, King Joao III sent 400 settlers to the land of Brazil. The king decreed that Brazil's coastline be divided into 250km plots and ruled by captains appointed by the king.

A mere two of those groups survived the Indians, Dutch, and French and proved successful. The country of Brazil was a Portuguese colony throughout the 16th, 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries.

Beginning in 1550, slaves were brought from Africa to work Brazil's sugar cane fields. They were also used to work the gold mine fields for a time until the gold ran out. Thankfully, slavery in Brazil was abolished in 1888.

Coffee entered Brazil sometime in the early 1800s. Nine years later, coffee accounted for nearly 2/3 of Brazil's exports! By this time, sugar cane production had all but stopped, so coffee beans filled in the gaps in the Brazilian economy. The rubber tree was discovered in the late 1800s and became a significant export for Brazil by 1912.

On September 7, 1822, Brazil declared independence from Portuguese rule. The country became the Empire of Brazil and operated as a constitutional monarchy.

During this time, there were two rulers - Pedro I and Pedro II. Pedro I ruled as emperor from 1822 to 1831, at which time his five-year-old son became emperor and ruled from 1831 to 1889.

The year 1889 - a republican government was established as a result of a military coup. The man who led the coup, General Deodoro da Fonseca, was Brazil's first de facto president. Brazil's name was changed to the Republic of the United States of Brazil. The constitutional democracy in Brazil lasted from 1889 through 1930.

Getulio Vargas took power of the government via a military coup in 1930. He was dictator over Brazil through 1934. He was elected president by Congress in 1937 and ruled as such until 1945 at which time he was again a dictator.

The people of Brazil elected Vargas president in 1951 and he remained their president until he took his life in 1954. The country continued under a democratic government until 1964.

Another military coup in 1964 resulted in the military dictatorship over Brazil through 1985. The economy was almost completely destroyed and thousands of Brazilians were forced to leave the country or murdered during this time. Brazil's name changed in 1967 to Federative Republic of Brazil.

This traumatic time in Brazil history is relatively recent and there are still people alive today who lived through these terrible times.

We'd go to troca dineiro ("change money") to change our U.S. dollars to Brazilian currency and the values fluctuated so wildly that it was almost impossible to predict exactly what the money would be worth the next day! Soon after this they switched to the Brazilian Real, prounouced hay - al.

My husband is a musician and he absolutely loves Brazilian music. For this reason I have a special interest in the amazing and beautiful music created in Brazil. I will be devoting more to this topic soon!

How did the unique style of Brazilian music develop? The Jesuits brought music to the indigenous people of Brazil and what followed was a culturally rich history of musicians and composers. Throughout the years of Brazil history, many types of music were created and embraced despite the dictatorship rule that held the country in its grip for 21 years.

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Many different styles of music are included on the list of popular Brazilian music.

Brazil has over 500 years of music history that began with Jesuit priests coming to the country and trying to infuse the indigenous people's music with more religious lyrics and rhythms.

The best way to describe the music heard in Brazil is that it's original and unique. Each style has its own beat, rhythm, and sound.

Various instruments are used to create interesting sounds that range from slow and sensuous to what might be referred to as a frenzied acoustic beat. Every genre of Brazilian music is appreciated throughout the country and in many places around the world.

The first African music heard in Brazil was lundu. This music was accompanied by a dance that was deemed a bit too erotic at that time, so the dance was no longer done in public as of the 18th century, but the music was still played and enjoyed.

Lundu music is a blend of the Argentinean tango, polka, and Cuban Habanera. It's was the beginnings of what is now recognized as Brazil's very first urban dance music, or maxixe. Nowadays, the dance has been included along with the music. It's still popular throughout Brazil.

Samba is by far the most popular and most recognized music style in Brazil. The Samba has a special swing sound to it. The notes that make up the music are not right on the beat, but rather a bit offbeat. They come together to create an addictive style of music that instinctively makes you want to move your hips and feet, but not in a jerky manner, but rather a fast, fluid motion. It's excellent party or festival music. Samba is most often heard in southeastern and northeast Brazil in the cities of Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Salvador. Popular Samba artists include Dorival Caymmi, Martinho da Vila, Carmen Miranda, Pixinguinha, Ary Barroso, Beth Carvalho, and Alcione.

Forro music is Brazil's version of country music. It's just the right combination of notes and instruments to make you want to stomp your feet and square dance! The instruments used to create this style of music include percussion, guitar, accordion, triangle, and flute. It's a rapid dance that you just have to move to! It's heard most often in the northeastern regions of Brazil.

MPB, or Musica Popular Brasileira, combines the sensuous sounds of samba with folk music, pop music, and rock music. It's one of the most recent and contemporary music trends in Brazil, but it has caught on quickly. It's wonderful background music for a party or for simply sitting outside enjoying the summer air. Popular Brazilian music artists of MPB include Gal Costa, Rita Lee, Marisa Monte, Elis Regina, Gilberto Gil, Maria Bethania, and Adriana Calcanhotto, to name a few.

Bossa nova was historically created with a guitar, piano, and a vocalist, but nowadays an orchestra can create a wonderful blend of soft sounds with more than one vocalist. It can be equated to elevator music in the United States.

The song called The Girls from Ipanema, written by Antonio Carlos Jobim, was the first Bossa nova style song that became popular outside of Brazil. Artists associated with this style of music include Elis Regina, Toquinho, Tom Jobim, Vinicius de Moraes, and Joao Gilberto.

Frevo is an energetic style of music most popular in northeast Brazil. The style is simplistic in nature played by a small band of traditionally three people. Today, you can hear frevo played from the back of a pick up truck or on stage complete with amplifiers and microphones.

Frevo is the primary music played for the Salvadoran Carnival in Brazil each year. It's energetic beat gets everyone in the party mood and makes you feel like celebrating. Popular frevo artists: Nelson Ferreira, Dodo & Osmar, Luperce Miranda, Irmaos Valenca, and Oswaldo Santiago.

Other popular Brazilian music styles include choro, brega, maracatu, Brazilian rock, and axe, to name a few. No matter where you go in Brazil, you will hear music. It might be slow and sensual, it might be frenzied and celebratory, or it might be the soft sounds of classical and operatic music. Everyone can find a music style they will like in Brazil!

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Brazilian singers bring the various music styles of Brazil to life! Brazil's music genres are amazingly diverse ranging from rock to jazz to pop to folk. Music styles such as choro, MPB, samba, and bossa nova are just a few of the ones you'll hear when listening to popular music singers in Brazil.

Beautiful and uplifting music is good for the soul, so we're going to list some Brazilian vocalists here for your enjoyment.

This band came onto the music scene in 1976, split up in 1985, but produced five records from the time they got together in 1976 until 2002. They may no longer be together as a band, but their music is still popular - a fun, easygoing mixture of funk, jazz, and some sounds of samba. It's easy to listen to and would be great background music for a cookout or get together.
Banda Black Rio

She is one of Brazil's most popular singers and she'll definitely get your heart pumping with her mix of musical styles of Latin pop music, MPB and Axe rock!
Ivete Sangalo

Easy-to-listen-to music played by Chico on guitar and accompanied by his clear beautiful voice. He sings about the economy, social issues, and culture of Rio de Janeiro and Brazil in general.
Chico Buarque

Sara has a gorgeous, romantic voice that captures your attention and keeps you listening to more and more as she sings. She writes lyrics that sound like poetry as she sings them. Very mellow listening music. You won't be disappointed!
Sara Bentes

This Brazilian singer is known best for his amazing vocal range. He plays the guitar and writes music that is best known as MPB, or Musica Popular Brasileira. It has a good beat without being all out rock music.
Milton Nascimento

Astrud Gilberto is probably best known for her performance of Girl From Ipanema, but she also sings many other beautiful songs. Her lilting voice lends itself to soft listening music - perfect for a quiet evening or simply relaxing.
Astrud Gilberto

Gilberto Gil, known affectionately as just Gil, incorporates several different music styles into his songs including rock, bossa nova, MPB, samba, reggae, tropicalia, and African music. He's fun to listen to and gets your foot tapping and body swaying in no time.
Gilberto Gil

Marisa sings a beautiful, romantic combination of MPB and pop rock tunes. She has sung with other Brazilian vocalists in folk and samba music styles.
Marisa Monte

Want to get your toes tapping, body movin' and truly enjoying the beat of the music? You're going to love Daniella Mercury! She is one of Brazil's most popular Brazilian singers, winning awards and the love of the Brazilian people. Her music combines the rhythmic sounds of samba and axe and the softer sounds of MPB.
Daniella Mercury

Adriana is a MPB style singer with an easy-to-listen-to voice that carries you along while you work, relax, play, or enjoy talking with friends.
Adriana Calcanhotto

Known as the Father of Bossa Nova, he plays the guitar and sings with a soft, whisper-like voice. He rarely sings with any other instruments other than his own guitar. He likes to use his guitar to create different sounds in some of his songs.
Joao Gilberto

Gal sings songs with a mixture of MPB, tropicalia, and pop with a clear and uplifting voice. She is a vocalist and a guitar player with a background in classical music.
Gal Costa

Best known for his bossa nova style of music, he also dabbled in the MPB music movement. Some of his music might be dubbed elevator music here in the U.S. He passed away in 1994, but his music remains some of the most popular and beloved music in Brazil.
Antonio Carlos Jobin

Jorge is best known for his talent with samba and another music style called pagode. He seems to truly enjoy performing and smiles a lot while he sings. It's easy listening music with a nice rhythm going too.
Jorge Aragao

Caetano Veloso brings a unique mix of musical styles to you by mixing up tropicalia, MPB, psychedelic rock, pop music, and standards music style. He likes to incorporate Brazil folk music and rhythms into his songs as well.
Caetano Veloso

Niece of Chico Buarque, she is best known for singing bossa nova style songs. She has a beautifully calming voice that draws you in and makes you want to hear more.
Babel Gilberto

More Popular Brazilian Singers

Maria Bethalho

Eliana Printes

Clara Nunes

Cibelle

Bia

Ana Carolina

Maria Rita

Rabo de Lagartixa

Simone

Wanda Sa

Music Styles of Brazilian Singers

We've mentioned several music styles here, but what do they each mean?

Bossa Nova - instruments used to create this sound include nylon-string guitar, tamborim, and the piano. Unique to bossa nova, the guitar is played with the fingers rather than a pick.

Choro - instruments like the cavaquinho, flute, clarinet, trumpet, mandolin, guitar, trombone, and saxophone create a happy, fun rhythm that makes you want to dance.

MPB - Musica Popular Brasileira is a unique combination of music styles like jazz, pop, folk and rock with some samba rhythms tossed in here and there.

Tropicalia - this music style takes rock and roll and some of the most original African and Brazilian rhythms and puts it together in music.

Pagode - this is a sub-genre of the popular sound of samba using three unique instruments: banjo, reique de mao, and the tan-tan.

Axe - one of the most diverse styles of music because it blends together several musical styles and genres including Forro, Marcha, Calypso, Carixada, Frevo, and Reggae.

Brazil is filled with amazingly talented Brazilian singers and musicians! There is a style and a sound for everyone!

View the original article here

>Brazil music runs the gamut when it comes to styles, instruments, and sound. It can be infectious, exciting, or soothing, depending on the type of music you're listening to.

The country of Brazil is a melting pot of diverse musical backgrounds and history. You'll hear music everywhere in Brazil - bars, restaurants, sporting events, beaches, homes, businesses, cafes, and mountains. It's part and parcel of Brazilian culture and lifestyle.

Brazilian music is filled with sounds of the history of the country. Brazil's history has been one of tragedy, poverty, slavery, and grief, and all of that comes out in the sounds and rhythms of their music.

The indigenous people, prior to the Portuguese settlers arriving in the country, played the first music of Brazil using rattles, flutes, horns, drums, sticks, whistles, and horns. They used their feet to stomp out rhythm and their hands to clap and keep rhythm as well.

The indigenous people sang their songs both in chorus or as soloists. Two instruments from the early years of Brazil's musical history have survived into modern times - the ganza and the reco-reco. Both instruments are used to play the modern-day musical styles of samba and choro.

Portuguese explorers introduced the sounds of their music to the indigenous people of Brazil, which was a mixture of sounds culled from Portuguese history.

The musical elements from the Portuguese included influences from Europe, North Africa, India, Arabia, and the Middle East. Lullabies, dance music, and ballads were introduced to and melded with the folksy music of the indigenous music to create brand new and interesting musical styles.

Instruments introduced by the Portuguese included the Jew's harp, accordion, flute, tambourine, and clarinet.

African slaves were brought to Brazil for nearly 300 years before the country finally abolished slavery. Musical influences from Africa are heard throughout Brazil today as a result of the music brought with the African people.

You can still hear lundu and maxixe in regions of Brazil, which are two erotic and popular music and dance cultures brought to Brazil by the African people.

Today, music of every kind is heard in Brazil. Some of it is strictly regional, but much of it can be heard in several regions of the country.

Some musical styles include: samba, axe, MPB, choro, forro, frevo, Bossa nova, brega, afoxe, and maracatu, to name a few. Classical music and operatic music also have a place in Brazil music, especially in the larger cities. See our popular Brazilian music page for more.

The musical instruments used in Brazil music vary from the most basic of instruments such as people's hands and feet to more complex instruments such as electric acoustic guitars. Each and every instrument comes together to create unusual and eclectic sounds and rhythms that have become Brazilian music. Berimbau - accompanies capoeira Agogo bells - used in religious rituals Accordion, flute, violin - heard in Portuguese songs called the fado and the moda Percussion instruments - primarily heard in African-style music, but are used in many different Brazilian music styles Atabaque - hand drum Pandeiro - instrument similar to tambourine Samba musical instruments - tamborim, surdo, berimbau, timba, chocalho, caixa, agogo bells, pandeiro, ganza, and cuica Bossa nova instruments - piano, drums, tambourine, nylon string acoustic guitar, saxophone, symbols, vibraphone, and symbols Choro instruments - cavaquinho, flute, guitar, trombone, mandolin, saxophone, 7-string guitar, clarinet, pandeiro, and trumpet Maracatu instruments - gongue, alfaia, abe, tarol, caixa-de-guerra and mineiro

For more please visit our Brazilian musical instruments page.

The lyrics in Brazilian music are words that speak to the history and culture of the people living in Brazil.

Lyrics associated with capoeira might speak to people longing for freedom, the fisherman who sails the sea finding food, the water of the sea and it's movements, or even as a warning to be respectful of a capoeirista.

Lyrics in forro music talk about romance and love and also of those times that jealousy, envy, and passion are in a relationship. Forro lyrics may even speak of a long ago love.

MPB, or Musica Popular Brasileira, is the name assigned to any and all Brazilian pop music. This type of music came out of a musical style called Tropicalia, a mix of samba and Bossa nova music styles. It's a unique combination of newer styles of pop music with the folk music sounds and style of the indigenous people of Brazil.

Drums and percussion instruments are often used in Brazilian music to create interesting rhythms or provide the background music for other instruments. Sambass is a type of drum and bass music originating from Latin America, but now popular in some regions of Brazil. Sambass is unique music conjured from a combination of bass and drumbeats and rhythms.

Brazil music embodies the history and people of Brazil in a unique way. Brazilian music has many sounds and styles from soft and soothing to erotic, rock and roll, and pop.

Listening to the different music styles, you can hear and imagine the struggles of the Brazilian people through the settling of their country, slavery, military regime, and their colorful history of simply who they are as a people. Music is the heart and soul of Brazil as a country and it's an important element in the lifestyle and culture of every Brazilian.

Families center their celebrations on music. Carnivals and festivals are huge events in Brazil and music is always a big part of those celebrations.

Music is always played during religious rituals and services throughout the country. Brazil is recognized as having one of the most diverse and unique styles of music within a country.

What is your favorite type of Brazilian music or your favorite Brazilian musicians? Please share!

View the original article here

>Brazil music runs the gamut when it comes to styles, instruments, and sound. It can be infectious, exciting, or soothing, depending on the type of music you're listening to.

The country of Brazil is a melting pot of diverse musical backgrounds and history. You'll hear music everywhere in Brazil - bars, restaurants, sporting events, beaches, homes, businesses, cafes, and mountains. It's part and parcel of Brazilian culture and lifestyle.

Brazilian music is filled with sounds of the history of the country. Brazil's history has been one of tragedy, poverty, slavery, and grief, and all of that comes out in the sounds and rhythms of their music.

The indigenous people, prior to the Portuguese settlers arriving in the country, played the first music of Brazil using rattles, flutes, horns, drums, sticks, whistles, and horns. They used their feet to stomp out rhythm and their hands to clap and keep rhythm as well.

The indigenous people sang their songs both in chorus or as soloists. Two instruments from the early years of Brazil's musical history have survived into modern times - the ganza and the reco-reco. Both instruments are used to play the modern-day musical styles of samba and choro.

Portuguese explorers introduced the sounds of their music to the indigenous people of Brazil, which was a mixture of sounds culled from Portuguese history.

The musical elements from the Portuguese included influences from Europe, North Africa, India, Arabia, and the Middle East. Lullabies, dance music, and ballads were introduced to and melded with the folksy music of the indigenous music to create brand new and interesting musical styles.

Instruments introduced by the Portuguese included the Jew's harp, accordion, flute, tambourine, and clarinet.

African slaves were brought to Brazil for nearly 300 years before the country finally abolished slavery. Musical influences from Africa are heard throughout Brazil today as a result of the music brought with the African people.

You can still hear lundu and maxixe in regions of Brazil, which are two erotic and popular music and dance cultures brought to Brazil by the African people.

Today, music of every kind is heard in Brazil. Some of it is strictly regional, but much of it can be heard in several regions of the country.

Some musical styles include: samba, axe, MPB, choro, forro, frevo, Bossa nova, brega, afoxe, and maracatu, to name a few. Classical music and operatic music also have a place in Brazil music, especially in the larger cities. See our popular Brazilian music page for more.

The musical instruments used in Brazil music vary from the most basic of instruments such as people's hands and feet to more complex instruments such as electric acoustic guitars. Each and every instrument comes together to create unusual and eclectic sounds and rhythms that have become Brazilian music. Berimbau - accompanies capoeira Agogo bells - used in religious rituals Accordion, flute, violin - heard in Portuguese songs called the fado and the moda Percussion instruments - primarily heard in African-style music, but are used in many different Brazilian music styles Atabaque - hand drum Pandeiro - instrument similar to tambourine Samba musical instruments - tamborim, surdo, berimbau, timba, chocalho, caixa, agogo bells, pandeiro, ganza, and cuica Bossa nova instruments - piano, drums, tambourine, nylon string acoustic guitar, saxophone, symbols, vibraphone, and symbols Choro instruments - cavaquinho, flute, guitar, trombone, mandolin, saxophone, 7-string guitar, clarinet, pandeiro, and trumpet Maracatu instruments - gongue, alfaia, abe, tarol, caixa-de-guerra and mineiro

For more please visit our Brazilian musical instruments page.

The lyrics in Brazilian music are words that speak to the history and culture of the people living in Brazil.

Lyrics associated with capoeira might speak to people longing for freedom, the fisherman who sails the sea finding food, the water of the sea and it's movements, or even as a warning to be respectful of a capoeirista.

Lyrics in forro music talk about romance and love and also of those times that jealousy, envy, and passion are in a relationship. Forro lyrics may even speak of a long ago love.

MPB, or Musica Popular Brasileira, is the name assigned to any and all Brazilian pop music. This type of music came out of a musical style called Tropicalia, a mix of samba and Bossa nova music styles. It's a unique combination of newer styles of pop music with the folk music sounds and style of the indigenous people of Brazil.

Drums and percussion instruments are often used in Brazilian music to create interesting rhythms or provide the background music for other instruments. Sambass is a type of drum and bass music originating from Latin America, but now popular in some regions of Brazil. Sambass is unique music conjured from a combination of bass and drumbeats and rhythms.

Brazil music embodies the history and people of Brazil in a unique way. Brazilian music has many sounds and styles from soft and soothing to erotic, rock and roll, and pop.

Listening to the different music styles, you can hear and imagine the struggles of the Brazilian people through the settling of their country, slavery, military regime, and their colorful history of simply who they are as a people. Music is the heart and soul of Brazil as a country and it's an important element in the lifestyle and culture of every Brazilian.

Families center their celebrations on music. Carnivals and festivals are huge events in Brazil and music is always a big part of those celebrations.

Music is always played during religious rituals and services throughout the country. Brazil is recognized as having one of the most diverse and unique styles of music within a country.

What is your favorite type of Brazilian music or your favorite Brazilian musicians? Please share!

View the original article here

Brazilian singers bring the various music styles of Brazil to life! Brazil's music genres are amazingly diverse ranging from rock to jazz to pop to folk. Music styles such as choro, MPB, samba, and bossa nova are just a few of the ones you'll hear when listening to popular music singers in Brazil.

Beautiful and uplifting music is good for the soul, so we're going to list some Brazilian vocalists here for your enjoyment.

This band came onto the music scene in 1976, split up in 1985, but produced five records from the time they got together in 1976 until 2002. They may no longer be together as a band, but their music is still popular - a fun, easygoing mixture of funk, jazz, and some sounds of samba. It's easy to listen to and would be great background music for a cookout or get together.
Banda Black Rio

She is one of Brazil's most popular singers and she'll definitely get your heart pumping with her mix of musical styles of Latin pop music, MPB and Axe rock!
Ivete Sangalo

Easy-to-listen-to music played by Chico on guitar and accompanied by his clear beautiful voice. He sings about the economy, social issues, and culture of Rio de Janeiro and Brazil in general.
Chico Buarque

Sara has a gorgeous, romantic voice that captures your attention and keeps you listening to more and more as she sings. She writes lyrics that sound like poetry as she sings them. Very mellow listening music. You won't be disappointed!
Sara Bentes

This Brazilian singer is known best for his amazing vocal range. He plays the guitar and writes music that is best known as MPB, or Musica Popular Brasileira. It has a good beat without being all out rock music.
Milton Nascimento

Astrud Gilberto is probably best known for her performance of Girl From Ipanema, but she also sings many other beautiful songs. Her lilting voice lends itself to soft listening music - perfect for a quiet evening or simply relaxing.
Astrud Gilberto

Gilberto Gil, known affectionately as just Gil, incorporates several different music styles into his songs including rock, bossa nova, MPB, samba, reggae, tropicalia, and African music. He's fun to listen to and gets your foot tapping and body swaying in no time.
Gilberto Gil

Marisa sings a beautiful, romantic combination of MPB and pop rock tunes. She has sung with other Brazilian vocalists in folk and samba music styles.
Marisa Monte

Want to get your toes tapping, body movin' and truly enjoying the beat of the music? You're going to love Daniella Mercury! She is one of Brazil's most popular Brazilian singers, winning awards and the love of the Brazilian people. Her music combines the rhythmic sounds of samba and axe and the softer sounds of MPB.
Daniella Mercury

Adriana is a MPB style singer with an easy-to-listen-to voice that carries you along while you work, relax, play, or enjoy talking with friends.
Adriana Calcanhotto

Known as the Father of Bossa Nova, he plays the guitar and sings with a soft, whisper-like voice. He rarely sings with any other instruments other than his own guitar. He likes to use his guitar to create different sounds in some of his songs.
Joao Gilberto

Gal sings songs with a mixture of MPB, tropicalia, and pop with a clear and uplifting voice. She is a vocalist and a guitar player with a background in classical music.
Gal Costa

Best known for his bossa nova style of music, he also dabbled in the MPB music movement. Some of his music might be dubbed elevator music here in the U.S. He passed away in 1994, but his music remains some of the most popular and beloved music in Brazil.
Antonio Carlos Jobin

Jorge is best known for his talent with samba and another music style called pagode. He seems to truly enjoy performing and smiles a lot while he sings. It's easy listening music with a nice rhythm going too.
Jorge Aragao

Caetano Veloso brings a unique mix of musical styles to you by mixing up tropicalia, MPB, psychedelic rock, pop music, and standards music style. He likes to incorporate Brazil folk music and rhythms into his songs as well.
Caetano Veloso

Niece of Chico Buarque, she is best known for singing bossa nova style songs. She has a beautifully calming voice that draws you in and makes you want to hear more.
Babel Gilberto

More Popular Brazilian Singers

Maria Bethalho

Eliana Printes

Clara Nunes

Cibelle

Bia

Ana Carolina

Maria Rita

Rabo de Lagartixa

Simone

Wanda Sa

Music Styles of Brazilian Singers

We've mentioned several music styles here, but what do they each mean?

Bossa Nova - instruments used to create this sound include nylon-string guitar, tamborim, and the piano. Unique to bossa nova, the guitar is played with the fingers rather than a pick.

Choro - instruments like the cavaquinho, flute, clarinet, trumpet, mandolin, guitar, trombone, and saxophone create a happy, fun rhythm that makes you want to dance.

MPB - Musica Popular Brasileira is a unique combination of music styles like jazz, pop, folk and rock with some samba rhythms tossed in here and there.

Tropicalia - this music style takes rock and roll and some of the most original African and Brazilian rhythms and puts it together in music.

Pagode - this is a sub-genre of the popular sound of samba using three unique instruments: banjo, reique de mao, and the tan-tan.

Axe - one of the most diverse styles of music because it blends together several musical styles and genres including Forro, Marcha, Calypso, Carixada, Frevo, and Reggae.

Brazil is filled with amazingly talented Brazilian singers and musicians! There is a style and a sound for everyone!

View the original article here

Many different styles of music are included on the list of popular Brazilian music.

Brazil has over 500 years of music history that began with Jesuit priests coming to the country and trying to infuse the indigenous people's music with more religious lyrics and rhythms.

The best way to describe the music heard in Brazil is that it's original and unique. Each style has its own beat, rhythm, and sound.

Various instruments are used to create interesting sounds that range from slow and sensuous to what might be referred to as a frenzied acoustic beat. Every genre of Brazilian music is appreciated throughout the country and in many places around the world.

The first African music heard in Brazil was lundu. This music was accompanied by a dance that was deemed a bit too erotic at that time, so the dance was no longer done in public as of the 18th century, but the music was still played and enjoyed.

Lundu music is a blend of the Argentinean tango, polka, and Cuban Habanera. It's was the beginnings of what is now recognized as Brazil's very first urban dance music, or maxixe. Nowadays, the dance has been included along with the music. It's still popular throughout Brazil.

Samba is by far the most popular and most recognized music style in Brazil. The Samba has a special swing sound to it. The notes that make up the music are not right on the beat, but rather a bit offbeat. They come together to create an addictive style of music that instinctively makes you want to move your hips and feet, but not in a jerky manner, but rather a fast, fluid motion. It's excellent party or festival music. Samba is most often heard in southeastern and northeast Brazil in the cities of Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Salvador. Popular Samba artists include Dorival Caymmi, Martinho da Vila, Carmen Miranda, Pixinguinha, Ary Barroso, Beth Carvalho, and Alcione.

Forro music is Brazil's version of country music. It's just the right combination of notes and instruments to make you want to stomp your feet and square dance! The instruments used to create this style of music include percussion, guitar, accordion, triangle, and flute. It's a rapid dance that you just have to move to! It's heard most often in the northeastern regions of Brazil.

MPB, or Musica Popular Brasileira, combines the sensuous sounds of samba with folk music, pop music, and rock music. It's one of the most recent and contemporary music trends in Brazil, but it has caught on quickly. It's wonderful background music for a party or for simply sitting outside enjoying the summer air. Popular Brazilian music artists of MPB include Gal Costa, Rita Lee, Marisa Monte, Elis Regina, Gilberto Gil, Maria Bethania, and Adriana Calcanhotto, to name a few.

Bossa nova was historically created with a guitar, piano, and a vocalist, but nowadays an orchestra can create a wonderful blend of soft sounds with more than one vocalist. It can be equated to elevator music in the United States.

The song called The Girls from Ipanema, written by Antonio Carlos Jobim, was the first Bossa nova style song that became popular outside of Brazil. Artists associated with this style of music include Elis Regina, Toquinho, Tom Jobim, Vinicius de Moraes, and Joao Gilberto.

Frevo is an energetic style of music most popular in northeast Brazil. The style is simplistic in nature played by a small band of traditionally three people. Today, you can hear frevo played from the back of a pick up truck or on stage complete with amplifiers and microphones.

Frevo is the primary music played for the Salvadoran Carnival in Brazil each year. It's energetic beat gets everyone in the party mood and makes you feel like celebrating. Popular frevo artists: Nelson Ferreira, Dodo & Osmar, Luperce Miranda, Irmaos Valenca, and Oswaldo Santiago.

Other popular Brazilian music styles include choro, brega, maracatu, Brazilian rock, and axe, to name a few. No matter where you go in Brazil, you will hear music. It might be slow and sensual, it might be frenzied and celebratory, or it might be the soft sounds of classical and operatic music. Everyone can find a music style they will like in Brazil!

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