batucada

Batucada is a substyle of samba and a term used to describe the percussion-based performance tradition of Brazilian samba schools. In batucada, a bateria—a percussion ensemble—drums out rhythmic patterns that form the driving engine of samba at Carnival parades and street performances. The style blends African rhythmic influences with samba, developing in Afro-Brazilian communities in Rio de Janeiro and other Brazilian urban centers in the first half of the 20th century. The name batucada comes from the act of beating or striking the drums.

A typical batucada features several drum types and percussion instruments, including surdos (large tuned bass drums that establish the tempo and pulse), caixas (snare-like drums that provide accents), repique (a flexible, higher-pitched drum that often leads call-and-response patterns), tamborim (a small frame drum played with a stick or beater for rapid rhythms), as well as chocalhos (shakers), agogô (double bells), and cuíca (a friction drum known for its high-pitched, squeaking tone). Pandeiro may also be used. Musicians perform tightly interlocking patterns with a strong emphasis on offbeats and syncopation, creating a dense, polyrhythmic texture.

Batucada groups are prominent in samba school culture, where the bateria competes for musical leadership within a parade segment. The style has spread internationally through samba schools and world music ensembles, influencing percussion-driven Latin and Afro-Brazilian music scenes.