Listen / Learn / Play
The music is not a soundtrack to capoeira. It is part of the conversation. Get to know the instruments, explore the toques and bring your voice into the circle.
School songbook / Beginners
The songs we often sing, collected in the school’s songbook. Portuguese lyrics, English translations and clearly highlighted choruses.
New to the songs? Start with the first line of each chorus. The chorus sections are highlighted in the document so they are easy to find.
Any questions? Ask us
The sound of the roda
The berimbau leads, the percussion supports and the singing connects the circle. Learning the music deepens the way you understand the game.
Choose a rhythm below to find tutorials on YouTube.
The voice that leads the game.
The musical bow gives the roda its direction. Listen for the changes in rhythm, and use these names to explore the different toques with your teacher.
A pulse you can feel.
The hand drum supports the music of capoeira and related traditions. Explore the rhythms below and practise them with your teacher.
Rhythm in your hands.
A frame drum with jingles, the pandeiro adds texture and a steady rhythmic foundation. Start by listening and follow the approach taught in your class.
A resource to keep coming back to
The Capoeira Song Compendium brings together Portuguese lyrics, English translations, pronunciation guidance and a glossary. Written by Mathew Brigham (Espaguete), its first edition dates from 2006.
Song versions vary between groups. Use it alongside what you learn in the roda.
Open the song compendiumExternal PDF · English / PortugueseA new skill. A new circle.
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