It's been awhile, but now it's time to Samba!

That's right kids young and old, we've been away from this blog far too long, but we're back and we've got some legal*(lay-gal) grooves coming your way! 

This week we explore the wonderful world of Samba. Like many bits of Brazilian culture  such as the religion,  Candomble or the martial art, Capoeira, Samba has its roots within the Afro-Brazilian community. Samba was first seen at the turn of the 20th century in Rio De Janeiro, then capital of Brazil. It was here that Samba schools or "Escola de Samba" were formed. These "schools" were really meeting grounds to practice and perform, but titling it "school" gave them more legitimacy in a controversial atmosphere. Today, Samba schools are responsible for the ever so famous Sambadrome or the huge Carnival celebration that occurs each year in Rio. Schools spend all year organizing and practicing so that they can come together and show there stuff right before lent. 

Samba is much more than Carnival though. Samba is the music of Brazil. It is widespread and has many subgenres, many of which you will hear today, such as Pagode, one that came about in the 1980's. 

If you'd like to delve more in-depth into the history of Samba, check it out. There's tons of info out there! A starting place might be google or wikipedia if you're looking for some quick info, but if you really want to learn, I would suggest Chris McGowan's The Brazilian Sound: Samba, Bossa Nova, and the Popular Music of Brazil. But there is tons of info out there so just give it a go. 

Hope you enjoy the show today!

*Portuguese word for cool, sweet, awesome.