One love, one drum

About us

Percussion, dance,
community & creativity

Batala Manchester is part of a global samba reggae movement, created by Giba Goncalves in 1997.

Batala Manchester is the newest of 9 sister bands in the UK, and nearly 50 around the globe, dedicated to sharing Giba's music. As a community project, we welcome people from all walks of life, and provide opportunities to learn his captivating rhythms, weekly at Chorlton High School.

With dedication, our members get the opportunity to perform at a wide range of events, locally, nationally and even globally, by joining up with our sister bands, known collectively as "Batala Mundo". We take bookings from clients for festivals, carnivals, nightclubs and daytime public gatherings throughout the North of England, providing a memorable experience at any event.

"The Batala Project is not just a musical project, the ethos is that of inclusion, equality and joining together to make music and enrich members lives and communities"

BATALA MUNDO

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Our family and history

Batala bands teach and perform in their own local communities, but we are all connected as part of a worldwide family of percussion consisting of nearly 2000 members.

When people join Batala, they say it changes their lives. It's more than just a drumming band, it can change your outlook, and your view of yourself by how it connects you to new people.

Batala creates a cultural fusion through a shared passion, and new bonds through a mutually understood rhythmic language. Engaging with Mundo teaches you new ways to communicate and express yourself, in a tapestry of rich cultural diversity.

At any one of the regular "Mundo events" that take place around the world, Batala Manchester members will get the chance to travel, grow their connections and experience new horizons.

Each year, Batala bands join together to learn new music, exchange knowledge and celebrate at "Encontro Mondial" or world meeting.

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The drums - four types, one sound

Repinique

Repinique means 'repeat' in Portugeuse. This is the loudest (and smallest) drum with the highest pitch, that acts as the 'Soprano" of the rhythm. It plays the higher tones in the "call and response" with the dobra.

Dobra

Dobra means fold' in Portuguese. With its medium-high frequencies, it is used to support the melody of a rhythm and plays the deeper tones in "call and response" with the repinique.

Caixa

Caixa means 'box' in Portugeuse. It has a rattle and plays every beat in a 16 beat bar. It serves as "the carpet" for the other drums to play over, and provides a "richness" to the overall tone of the band.

Fundo

Fundo means 'bottom' in Portuguese. They are the largest drums in the band and with their low frequency they set the timing marks for the other drums as bass.