Brazil has officially recognized nine samba musical instruments as part of its national cultural heritage, celebrating their role in preserving the country’s rich musical traditions. This recognition also extends to the traditional craftsmanship techniques used to create these iconic instruments.
A Historic Recognition
On September 30, 2024, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva signed into law a declaration formalizing this recognition. The honored instruments include:
- Pandeiro: A hand frame drum that provides a rhythmic backbone.
- Cuíca: A friction drum known for its unique, emotive sound.
- Surdo: A bass drum that maintains samba’s rhythm.
- Tambourine, Rebolo, Frying Pan, Timba, Repique de Mão, and Tam-tam: Each instrument contributes to the vibrant energy of samba music.
These instruments are cornerstones of samba circles and samba schools, especially during Carnival.
The Art of Craftsmanship
The law also emphasizes the importance of traditional craftsmanship. The methods used to create these instruments are considered vital cultural practices, and an upcoming decree will detail these production processes.
Voices from the Samba Community
For percussionist Jackie Cunha, this recognition is a long-awaited celebration. “The pandeiro, surdo, tambourine, and others bring a wealth of detail and richness to rhythms beyond samba,” she said. Jackie has mastered nearly all the recognized instruments since her childhood, where samba circles inspired her musical journey.
Similarly, Glauber Marques, a third-generation cuíca player, highlights the instrument’s unique character: “The cuíca is the most mischievous—it both cries and laughs at the same time,” he said, quoting his grandfather, a drummer from the esteemed Nenê de Vila Matilde samba school.
Rafa, the first woman to lead a samba school percussion band in São Paulo, oversees 172 drummers at Imperatriz da Pauliceia. “Musical instruments are samba’s body and soul,” she said, reinforcing the irreplaceable role of percussion in samba’s rhythmic essence.
The Cultural Significance
Samba is more than music; it is a symbol of Brazilian identity and pride. Recognizing these instruments as cultural heritage ensures their preservation for future generations and underscores their integral role in Brazil’s rich musical history.
