Book Baque de Axé and bring the exciting rhythms and powerful percussion of North-East Brazil to your next event.

Based in London, and led by experienced percussionist Sam Alexander, we play in concert halls and clubs, parade in street carnivals, and perform at private and corporate events in London, across the UK and beyond.

We perform a style of Maracatu called ‘Maracatu de Baque Virado’ Portuguese for ‘Maracatu of the turning beat', reflecting the syncopation and interaction of the beats. This traditional form of carnival parading, percussion and dance has deep roots in Afro-Brazilian traditions and is a major form of carnival in Recife, Brazil. The instruments of Maracatu are the gonguê (bell), ganzá (mineiro/shaker), agbê (shekerê), alfaia (base drum), caixa (snare drum), and atabaque (hand drum).

In the 2018 Notting Hill Carnival our 60 person group included performers from many Maracatu bands around the country, and won third prize for Brazilian Bands, behind London’s two main Rio style Samba Bands. In 2019 we performed as part of the Tambores Livres project of over 300 drummers, musicians and street artists to come 2nd place in the competition.

Previous events include:

• Love Carnival at The CLF Art Cafe Bussey Building

• Movimientos at Hootananny in Brixton

• Jungle Creations New Years Party at Studio 9294

• Flavours of the World Festival at the Horniman Museum

• Drums for the Amazon at Studio 9294

• Brazilica Festival in Liverpool

• Kemptown Carnival in Brighton

• Regents Street Parade in London

• Trinity Green Festival in London

• Emergency Exit Arts Parade London

• Notting Hill Carnival

We can tailor a presentation to match your event, whether in London or around the UK.

The types of events at which we can perform include:

Full Band
Our full band includes the band leader, a percussion ensemble of around 20-40 members, including gonguê (bell), ganzá (mineiro/shaker), agbê (shekerê), alfaia (base drum), caixa (snare drum), and atabaque (hand drum), as well as dancers, singers, and extra costumed performers. Suitable for large outdoor events including carnivals, festivals, summer fairs, weddings, and large indoor events.

Small Band
Smaller events will involve a select number of our key percussion performers from the full group. Suitable for small street festivals, carnival expositions, community events, party nights, and other indoor events such as exhibition openings or closings.

Professional Band
Our professional band can be available during the weekday/working hours at short notice. It is comprised of professional performers including drummers, dancers, singers, guitars, and brass, (depending on event requirements). Suitable for professional stage shows, music venues, clubs, promotional events, and corporate performances.

Percussion Workshops
We offer a programme of workshops for organisations, from corporate groups, to schools and youth clubs. Workshops can include drumming, dancing, instrument making, and costume making. Our team building workshops are very popular with corporate and social organisations, and use the fun of learning the skills of Maracatu to enhance team performance.

Please get in touch to discuss your event and find out more.