Do you know what a Capoeira Roda is? To simply put, it is a form of art that has Afro-Brazilin roots. This Brazilian form of martial art includes dance, fight, and music, making it a fantastic depiction of enslaved Africans’ struggles during colonization centuries back.
Roda is the way Capoeira is played, and the musical instrument plays a crucial role in making this whole martial art disguised as dance an inspiring event. Here is a list of instruments that are must-haves to keep the true spirit of Capoeira Roda intact:
Berimbau:
This unique, African originated musical bow is made up of 1.6 meters long 2.5cm thick biriba wood arch called verga. The verga has an arame (a steel wire taken from inside of a car tire) and a cabca (a resonator). The arame is attached tightly to the arch from top to bottom, thus making it bend while the resonator at the bottom is hollow.
The instrument is played with the opening of the resonator facing the body and is held in the left hand. A stone is held between the forefinger and the thumb and is used to press arame to alter the pitch of berimbau.
This instrument comes in three sizes: Gunga, Medio, and viola. The largest one, i.e. Gunga, has a deep sound and provides the basic rhythm for capoeira roda. As the name suggests, Medio is the middle one and gives the inverse of Gunga’s rhythm. Whereas viola produces the sharpest sound and is used for bringing variation to the rhythm.
Pandeiro:
Pandeiro is basically a type of tambourine. This handmade musical instrument is widely popular in East Africa and Brazil mainly. It is used in many musical performances, including capoeira roda. It has a wooden frame, and on the surface is a stretched leather, plastic or snakeskin. It has jingles attached to the frame. The tension of the surface can be adjusted through the tuning keys. It is one of the hot-selling instruments at Zum Zum Capoeira. The instrument contributes toward making the rhythm of capoeira roda more melodic.
Agogo:
Agogo is originated from an African word meaning ‘bell’. Although it was previously used within Africa only, it has become popular worldwide. It consists of a stick with two hollow empty Cantanha Nuts, or iron cones attached at its end. They come with a variety of sizes to bring variations to the rhythm.
Atabaque:
You will have seen this one for sure. It is a tall drum played with hands. Its body is made from jacaranda wood and has a calfskin head attached to it with ropes. It comes in three sizes, the biggest one has the lowest sound, and the smallest one has the highest sound, while the medium one produces medium sound. Only one atabaque is used during capoeira roda.
Reco-Reco:
This is an indigenous Brazilian musical instrument that is used in several musical shows and performances. It has a cylindrical body made from bamboo or wood and has notches. The instrument is played by rubbing a stick against the grooves, and a melodious sound is produced that makes the rhythm of capoeira roda more enjoyable.
So now you know what makes Capoeira Roda complete. Need any of the Musical Capoeira Instruments mentioned? You can find them all at ZumZum Capoeira Shop! Not sure what to choose? Just drop us a line via email or Whatsapp and we’d be happy to help!
For other musical instruments visit Danville music.