Main Types

Samba-enredo

It appears in Rio de Janeiro during the 1930s. The theme is linked to the subject that the samba school chooses for the year of the parade. It usually follows social or cultural themes. It defines all the choreography and scenography used in the parade of the samba school.

Samba de partido alto

With improvised lyrics, they talk about the reality of the hills and the most needy regions. It is the style of the great masters of samba. The best-known high-profile composers are: Moreira da Silva, Martinho da Vila and Zeca Pagodinho.

Pagode


He was born in the city of Rio de Janeiro in the 1970s, and won the radio and dance floor in the following decade. It has a repetitive rhythm and uses percussion instruments and electronic sounds. It spread quickly through Brazil, thanks to the simple and romantic lyrics. The main groups are: Backyard Fund, Negritude Jr., Only to Contrariar, Black Race, Katinguelê, Samba Patrol, Pique Novo, Mischief, Art Popular.
 

Samba-canção

It arose in the 1920s, with slow rhythms and sentimental and romantic lyrics. Example: Ai, Ioiô (1929), by Luís Peixoto.

 Samba carnavalesco

Marchinhas and Sambas made to dance and sing in carnival dances. Examples: Open wings, Windbreak, Aurora, Balancê, Cabelloira do Zeze, White Flag, Chiquita Bacana, Colombina, Marvelous City among others.
 

Samba-exaltação

With lyrics patriotic and highlighting the wonders of Brazil, with orchestra accompaniment. Example: Aquarela do Brasil, by Ary Barroso recorded in 1939 by Francisco Alves.

Samba de breque

This style has moments of quick stops, where the singer can include comments of critical character or humoristic. One of the masters of this style is Moreira da Silva.

Samba de gafieira

It was created in the 1940s and has orchestra accompaniment. Fast and very strong in the instrumental part, it is widely used in ballroom dancing.

Sambalanço

It appeared in the 50's (1950's) in clubs of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. Received a great influence of the jazz. One of the most significant representatives of sambalanço is Jorge Ben Jor, who also mixes elements of other styles.