Capoeira Music
 Music is fundamentally integral to the art of Capoeira. Rich in history,
tradition, and influence, Capoeira music affects the style and speed of the game
that is played. There are three major instruments that are regularly played: the
berimbau (a Brazilian instrument of African origin shaped like a bow with one
string and a hollowed gourd to project sound), the atabaque (a Brazilian drum),
and the pandeiro (a tambourine).
Depending on the rhythm and speed these instruments play, the Capoeiristas
will adapt and change their style of play and strategy. Capoeira music directly
affects whether a game is fast or slow, passive or aggressive, low to the
ground, or flying through the air. Just as Capoeira itself has evolved
throughout its history, so has Capoeira music. The berimbau is the head
instrument; all other instruments follow as the berimbau changes in speed or
rhythm.
As Capoeira evolved, new rhythms were created on the berimbau to create new
styles and games to accommodate changes. Mestre Bimba created a rhythm called
Banguela (now commonly known as Benguela), dictating a medium-paced game focusing on moving close to the
opponent, strategizing, and reacting to their movements. The game was created to
help his students (who practiced a faster, upright style later called Capoeira
Regional or Regional de Bimba) learn to deal with the more traditional Capoeira
players who trained the deceptive Capoeira Angola
style.
Apart from dictating the style of the game, Capoeira music plays other
important roles as well. Music is the greatest contributor to the axé, or
energy, of the game. The soloist and chorus provide a constant rhythmic
background to those playing the game of Capoeira, providing energy and
encouragement. The lyrics of Capoeira music often tell stories about famous
mestres, lessons to be learned playing the game, historical figures, or events
important to the art. The words can even speak directly to the players in the
game that is going on, giving insight or instruction. It has often been noted
that without its music, Capoeira would be something else entirely.
Browse Capoeira
music CDs and listen to free mp3 clips of Capoeira music in the Virtual Capoeira
Store
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