CAPOEIRA SONGS FROM BAHIA: TRADITION, RHYTHM AND CULTURAL HERITAGE

Music is the soul of capoeira; it sets the rhythm, guides the game, and tells stories that transcend generations. In Bahia, the birthplace of capoeira, the songs carry the strength of African ancestry, the resistance of the Afro-Brazilian people, and the unique energy of the rodas.

Bahian capoeira songs not only accompany the movement but also preserve memories, celebrate legendary mestres, and keep alive a tradition internationally recognized as cultural heritage.

The Role of Music in Capoeira

In capoeira, music is the heart of the game. The songs, rhythms, and berimbau toques determine the speed, intensity, and even the type of interaction between players. In Bahia, the music carries the vibrant energy of the streets of Pelourinho, the beaches, and the rodas that take place in local communities and cultural spaces.

The berimbau is the leading instrument in the roda. With its different toques, such as Angola, São Bento Pequeno, and São Bento Grande, it sets the style and pace of the game. Alongside it, the atabaque and pandeiro complete the rhythmic foundation, while the chorus responds to the master’s song.

The lyrics of capoeira songs convey teachings, describe historical events, and speak about life, struggle, and freedom. They can also include improvised verses to comment on the game, issue challenges, or encourage the players.

Types of Capoeira Songs from Bahia

Capoeira music follows a traditional structure that combines three main song styles: ladainhas, quadras, and corridos. Each serves a specific purpose within the roda and helps keep the oral tradition of capoeira alive. Check them out:

Ladainhas – These songs usually open the capoeira roda, sung only by the mestre or lead singer. Ladainhas are longer, narrative songs that tell stories, pay tribute to mestres, or reflect on life. The ladainha is followed by a “chula” or “louvação,” where the chorus begins to respond.

Ajuda Eu berimbau

Ajuda eu berimbau
Ajuda eu a cantar

Ajuda eu berimbau
Ajuda eu a cantar

Preto velho
no tempo do cativeiro
Trabalhava o dia inteiro
Na senzala madrugá
Numa maneira
De domingo no terreiro
Capoeira e sua dança
Ocultá Negro africano

Que é de sangue nosso irmão
Em terras brasileiras
Criou a Capoeira
Pra sua libertação
E na província
Quisera la acabá
Plantou muito broto de cana
Planto e mando brotà

Ajuda eu berimbau …

Quadras – These are short compositions with four verses, sung in a call-and-response style between the lead singer and the chorus. Quadras usually have a steady rhythm and are used to keep the game flowing smoothly.

Sereia

Adeus, adeus
Sereiaa… (ou boa viagem)*

Eu vou me embora
Sereiaa… (ou boa viagem)*z

Eu vou ver senhor
Sereiaa…

Eu vou ver senhora
Sereiaa..

Corridos – More lively and dynamic, corridos are sung continuously in a call-and-response format. They encourage the players, comment on the moves, and create an energetic and interactive atmosphere during the capoeira game.

Adão Adão

Adão, Adão
Oi cadé Salomé, Adão
Oi cadé Salomé, Adão

Adão, Adão
Oi cadé Salomé, Adão
Mas Salomé foi passear

Adão, Adão
Oi cadé Salomé, Adão

O foi na Ilha de Marè
Adão, Adão
Oi cadé Salomé, Adão

Oi cadé Salomé, Adão
O Salomé foi passeia

Adão, Adão
Oi cadé Salomé, Adão
Salomé foi mandingar

Adão, Adão
Oi cadé Salomé, Adão

These three song formats are passed down through generations, preserving the Afro-Brazilian music and history of Bahian capoeira.

Capoeira Songs from Bahia

Some songs have gone beyond the capoeira rodas of Bahia to become global references, carrying rhythm, history, and identity. They have become well-known even among people who do not practice capoeira. Here are a few examples: