Capoeira is the Brazilian Martial Art created by the African slaves in the plantation farms during the colonial times in Brazil. Without weapons and under constant surveillance from the farmer’s watchdogs, the slaves used to practice the fighting movements disguising them with dance and music.

Capoeira has always been played with a set of percussion instruments (bateria) and songs which lyrics have deep meaning to every Capoeirista. Throughout the centuries, many traditional Capoeira songs have been written and to this day, current Capoeiristas are writing new songs.

Capoeira Songs have different styles and different rhythm according to the game that is about to start or already happening. Ladainhas, quadras, corridos, chulas e louvações are some of the styles of songs brought to the Roda.

The lyrics of these songs are beautiful poems and the message passed by the words touch the hearts and the minds of those who are playing and watching the game. The lyrics of Capoeira Songs bring different topics which can relate to slavery, folk, biographies, myths, religion. The music also teaches the Capoeiristas about history, places, symbolic aspects of the game; and sends messages to the players and to the crowd.

Capoeira being such a complex art form created by the beautiful combination of several other art forms, Capoeira Music and Poetry are extremely rich in culture and knowledge. These are certainly amazing heritage and tradition that Capoeira brings to everyone and must be passed on to the new generations to come.