The 7 north-eastern rhythms and musical styles that enchant Brazil

The 7 Northeastern rhythms and musical styles that are a hit in Brazil.

The Northeast region of Brazil is characterised by its rich cultural diversity, uniquely expressed in its rhythms and musical styles.

Made up of nine states with different historical, social and geographical characteristics, this region has developed over the centuries sound manifestations deeply rooted in indigenous, African and European traditions.

Xaxado ritmo musical — Rhythms and musical styles of the North East

This article presents seven of the most important rhythms and musical styles originating in the Northeast, which have contributed – and still contribute – to the formation of the Brazilian musical identity.

Video about 7 rhythms and musical styles of the Northeast

História do Axé Music10:10

História do Baião03:56

História do Forro Dança e Ritmo05:10

História do Frevo02:16

Maracatu Nação Pernambuco02:39

Estilo e História do Samba de Roda06:07

História do Xaxado05:39

The 7 north-eastern rhythms and musical styles

Axé
Baião
Forró
Frevo
Maracatu
Samba de Roda
Xaxado

1. Axé

Axé is a contemporary musical genre that emerged in the 1980s in Salvador, Bahia, during the Carnival. Its etymology comes from the Yoruba word àṣẹ, which means “energy“, “strength” or “sacred power“.

The style is characterised by a fusion of elements from reggae, forró, maracatu, frevo and Afro-Bahian rhythms such as ijexá.

With its strong percussion and infectious melody, axé has established itself as one of the great symbols of the Bahian Carnival, achieving national and international fame through artists such as Daniela Mercury, Ivete Sangalo and Banda Eva.

2. Baião

Baião is a traditional genre that developed in the northeastern interior and became nationally famous in the 1940s thanks to the work of Luiz Gonzaga, known as the King of the Baião.

The rhythm is structured around instruments such as the accordion, triangle, zabumba, viola caipira and rabeca. The lyrics deal with the daily life of the Sertanejo, with themes such as drought, migration and love.

The song “Asa Branca“, composed by Gonzaga and Humberto Teixeira, became a landmark of the genre. Later, the tropicália movement of the 1970s reinterpreted the baião, increasing its popularity among young urbanites.

3. Forró

Forró is a group of musical genres that includes baião, xote and arrasta-pé, and is also a form of social dance.

The traditional forró – also known as forró pé-de-serra – originated in the northeastern countryside and is performed by trios consisting of accordion, zabumba and triangle.

Over time, variants such as electronic forró and university forró have emerged, incorporating elements of pop music and modern instruments.

Although strongly associated with the June festivities, forró is practised all year round, with strong expressions in cities such as Campina Grande (PB), Caruaru (PE) and Juazeiro do Norte (CE).

4. Frevo

Frevo is an artistic manifestation typical of Pernambuco, especially in the cities of Recife and Olinda, and is strongly associated with the Street Carnival.

Developed from the fusion of the march, maxixe, gallop and capoeira, frevo is characterised by its fast pace and acrobatic dances.

Musically, it is characterised by the use of wind instruments (such as trombone, trumpet, saxophone, tuba) and percussion, performed by bands and fanfares.

In 2012, frevo was recognised by UNESCO as a Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

5. Maracatu

The Maracatu is a manifestation of Afro-Brazilian origin, associated with the coronation rituals of Congo kings and devotion to Our Lady of the Rosary.

There are two main forms: Maracatu Nação (or Baque Virado), associated with candomblé terreiros, and Maracatu Rural (or Baque Solto), more common in Pernambuco’s Zona da Mata.

The rhythm is characterised by the use of large drums (alfaias), gonguês, boxes and agogôs.

The procession includes symbolic figures such as the king, queen, maid of honour and standard-bearer. Maracatu represents the resistance of the Afro-descendant culture and is an essential part of the Carnival of Pernambuco.

6. Samba de Roda

Samba de roda originated in the Recôncavo Baiano and is considered one of the predecessors of Rio’s urban samba.

It resulted from the interaction between African rhythms and Lusitanian traditions, especially poetry and dance, samba de roda was practised in informal celebrations, using instruments such as the pandeiro, atabaque, reco-reco and berimbau.

The circular form of the dance, the improvisation and the presence of women are striking features. In 2005, samba de roda was declared a Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.

7. Xaxado

Xaxado is a musical and choreographic rhythm that originated in the backlands of Pernambuco and is associated with the cangaço, especially the group of Lampião.

It was originally practised only by men as a way of celebrating conquests or battles.

The name refers to the sound of leather sandals dragging on the ground. It spread throughout the country thanks to Luiz Gonzaga, who incorporated it into his baião repertoire. Xaxado keeps alive the memories of the Sertanejo resistance and the popular culture of the semi-arid northeast.

Concluding reflections

Northeastern music is a field of incomparable cultural richness that transcends the boundaries of the region itself and contributes decisively to the formation of a diverse and authentic Brazilian musical identity.

Each of the rhythms analysed in this work represents, in its own way, a link to the history, struggles, festivals and religiosity of the people of the Northeast. The study of these manifestations is essential for the evaluation of Brazil’s intangible heritage.