Roots Of Brazil

Product Description
Raizes Do Brasil Capoeira (Roots of Brazil Capoeira) is an international organization headquartered in Brasilia, the capital of Brazil.

Capoeira is a Brazilian martial art created in the 1500's by African slaves. The slaves were not allowed to practice any fighting techniques.To overcome this restriction, the slaves practiced the fighting moves and techniques disguising them as dances. These dances are accompanied by the unique and exotic music of Capoeira.

Rhythm is the heartbeat of Capoeira. Without music Capoeira is not complete. Indeed, the music of Capoeira clearly reveals its African origins by its unique and exotic rhythms. The berimbau instrument (gourd and stick) of Capoeira has many different rhythms each one calling a different kind of game (rota) or dance. The two other instruments that accompany the berimbau are the atabaque (conga drum) and the pandeiro (tambourine). The berimbau leads the orchestra so to speak and controls the speed and the pace of the game. It determines the rhythm of the dance. The intensity of the music can make a game play fast and hard for the capoeiraistas. They often perform acrobatic feats to the fast rhythms.

The music of the slaves gave the illusion to their masters that Capoeira was a ritualistic dance rather than the practice of a martial art. In this way, the slaves could practice their martial art openly by way of subterfuge without being detected. Today, Capoeira is no longer illegal in Brazil and its practice and distinctive music is shared by all. In fact, today Capoeira is a national sport in Brazil. The popularity of Capoeira continues to grow rapidly on a worldwide basis along with the distinctive sound of its music.

George W. Alexander, Producer

Capoeira! Brazil’s Secret Fighting Art is also available on Video and DVD.

Roots Of Brazil,Various Artists

New Age Music: