Samba Music History: Sensuality Touch Yet Energetic Feels

The history of samba music dates back to the early 1920’s. With a sensuality touch yet energetic, Samba dance and music has acquired many fans worldwide over the years. As the music culture has always been, samba music spread very fast after its emergence. The music was introduced in the United States in the second half of nineteen twenty when the energetic and superb beats caught everybody’s attention.

The samba dance is watched by people from all corners of the world and many sway to this dance and music particularly in beautiful and colorful Brazil carnivals. Those who actually shake a leg in the Samba fashion acknowledge the dance’s beauty and pulsating music. All lovers of Samba should read on the history of Samba music to learn more about the origin of this pulsating dance.

There are various point of view in the Samba Music History. Samba originated in Africa although there is a belief that it emerged from an African American couple dance. A considerable level of speculation exists regarding this style’s origin with experts claiming it evolved from a different style referred to as Choro. Dancing and singing accompanies any music in a characteristic Samba performance.

Samba is a term derived from the ‘Semba’ Portuguese word but to the natives of Africa America, the term has many interpretations. While it meant praying for some, it was used in reference to a woman in Brazil. This word’s original documented reference is traceable to an 1838 newspaper where the word’s meaning was offered as being dance and rhythm.

The recognition of Samba being a unique genre occurred in the twentieth century particularly in Rio de Janeiro contributing immensely to the history of samba music. During this period, slaves were introduced into Rio de Janeiro and by then, other people did not find native dances appropriate. Authorities embarked on controlling the widespread popularity of this style’s dance and music, but numerous modifications continued. From group dances, it evolved into partner dances and by the 1960s, most musicians adopted the dance and proceeded to popularize the typical music of Samba. By the seventies, samba music gained a powerful foothold over people’s minds via the radio, but by the early eighties, it faded with the advent of other popular Brazilian music particularly disco and rock music. In the history of Samba, when musical instruments including the tan tan and banjo were invented, the musical style of Samba was shortly revived before its fusion with various other styles of music such as reggae and rap.

‘Pagode’ is yet another musical style with an origin in Samba. There are numerous well-known musicians who left a mark in composing music of this kind in the past. This saw many different styles emerging and a good example of such a style is Bossa Nova which comprises of a heavy Samba influence. Despite Samba’s musical style being quite popular universally, it is not entirely acceptable in Brazil. A few personalities feel that the Samba style in regard to dancing and music is intended for society’s lower strata. The history of samba has undergone a revolution over years and it is still loved by many musicians and dancers.