This video fell across my dashboard through the magic of YouTube’s algorithm, and I’m really glad it did. Full disclosure, I had to look up the word Batucada, because I wasn’t entirely sure what it meant. Was it the name of the group? The performance space? The name of the song? Turns out, it’s none of the above. According to Google, Batucada is a Brazilian style of percussion, typically performed by a large ensemble, and characterized by its repetitiveness and fast pace. After watching this video, all I can say is that it would seem a trip to Brazil is in order. Everyone in this video is just having way too much fun.
Unfortunately, I doubt there’s a lot of Batucada being performed at the moment. There is a lot of energy and enthusiasm on display in this video, but it is definitely from a pre-COVID era. Between the drummers, the massive choir, the orchestra, and the audience, this show could not be performed today. At least, not safely. So in the meantime, I’ll make do with videos like this one. But I really hope I get to experience a Batucada performance in person. I mean, just look at that conductor. There’s so much joy in what he’s doing. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of that?
Suggestions for artists I should check out? Please contact me with your ideas. I hope you enjoyed your daily helping of art!
