Maracatu.
Brazilian Carnival Music.
We are a London based band performing Maracatu carnival percussion music and dance from Recife in Brazil. We play in concert halls and clubs, parade in street carnivals, perform at public, private, and corporate events, and teach classes in percussion, drumming, and dance.
Book Us
We are available to perform at public, private, and corporate events. Book us and bring the exciting rhythms and powerful percussion of North-East Brazil to your next gig, party, parade, or team building event.
Percussion Classes
We run Afro-Brazilian percussion and drumming classes in London led by our band leader Sam Alexander. We offer single or courses of classes and one-on-one tuition at various levels for people of all ages, as-well-as our weekly open escola classes for those interested in getting involved in our banda.
Dance Classes
We run Afro-Brazilian dance classes in London. We offer single or courses of classes and one-on-one tuition at various levels for people of all ages, as-well-as our weekly open escola classes for those interested in getting involved in our banda.
Join Us
Baque de Axé’s banda is an open community of hobby and professional musicians and dancers from a variety of backgrounds. Together we celebrate Maracatu carnival traditions, and have a growing repertoire of songs, percussion music, and dance. We always welcome new members – no experience in percussion or dance required!
Outreach
We are affiliated to Nação do Maracatu Porto Rico, a traditional Maracatu group based in Recife, Brazil. We organise and collaborate in educational and community outreach programmes with Porto Rico, and across local community groups in London.
“ Witnessing a performance by Baque de Axé is much more than attending a musical group; it's being transported to the pulsating heart of Recife's Carnival, immersed in a torrent of ancestral rhythms and a contagious energy. From the very first touch of the alfaias, the visceral and profound sound reverberates, not just in the ears, but in every fiber of your being. It's an ancestral call that echoes through the centuries, connecting the audience with the Afro-Brazilian roots of Maracatu. The skill of the percussionists is simply mesmerising. The rhythmic complexity of the baque virado unfolds in intricate sonic layers, where each instrument – from the vibrant agogô to the agbê that shakes with a life of its own – finds its place in a powerful and engaging symphony. The synchronicity and passion that emanate from the group are palpable, conveying a sense of unity and purpose that goes beyond mere musical execution. But Baque de Axé is also a rich and impactful visual experience. The vibrant colours, the dance movements, and the musicians' own dedication create a spectacle that nourishes the soul. It's a celebration of popular culture, history, and resistance, where music becomes a powerful and joyful form of expression. More than just a show, Baque de Axé offers a genuine cultural immersion. Their affiliation with Nação do Maracatu Porto Rico, one of the oldest and most respected nações in Brazil, guarantees the authenticity and depth of their art. By sharing the traditional rhythms and the history behind them, the group plays a fundamental role in disseminating and valuing this rich cultural heritage. If you are looking for a musical experience that transcends the ordinary, that makes you vibrate, dance, and feel the strength of tradition in every beat, don't miss the opportunity to experience Baque de Axé. It's an unforgettable encounter with the soul of Brazil, an explosion of axé that will certainly leave a lasting mark. It's simply unmissable. Recognising the profound impact of their performances, Samba de Bamba makes it a point to invite Baque de Axé to our annual event, ensuring our audience has the chance to witness this extraordinary experience.”
Odila Giunta , Samba de Bamba UK director
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