About
Ẹdùn Ará – bloco de carnaval is a percussion, song & dance performance based project that reflects the African heritage found in Brazilian & Cuban culture. We draw on these traditional artforms and with great respect to its origins, we present a contemporary performance. The project began in 2005 as one of the many workshops organised by One Voice Music.
We run workshops that culminate in a costumed parade and/or stage performance. For each performance, we present a piece in honour of a particular deity common to Afrobrazilian & Afrocuban traditions. The percussion, song & dance we work on has a theme (or themes) reflecting their common African roots.
You can belong to your own local percussion group and be part of Ẹdùn Ará. Participants on the project range from individuals who have an interest in drumming or dance through to groups of people from a community Samba group.
Under the Ẹdùn Ará menu, you’ll find lots of information on this project, including: how it began and how far it has developed, our current repertoire, past performances and any future plans as they develop.
So come and take part, contribute to the special energy the project creates, make new friends and have lots of fun!
Tutors
Raz, Marcia & Vicky, who have many years of experience in teaching & performance, present this project that draws on their wide range of interests in various forms of percussion & dance. The material reflects their interest in different Brazilian & Cuban music styles that have hugely influenced their professional careers. This project always challenges participants, enabling them to develop their skills. They are highly energetic & FUN!
The drumming mixes elements drawn from Candomblé rhythms, Samba Batucada, Maracatu, Samba Reggae, Ijexa, 6/8 & funky Afro Bloc grooves from Brazil with elements from Bata rhythms, Rumba, Conga & Salsa from Cuba. This combination of patterns and phrases are creatively arranged to produce colourful, melodic and exciting dance grooves. The percussion is played on Brazilian carnival instruments including surdos, repiniques, snares, tamborims, bells, shakers & timbas.
The choreography, arranged to fit the music, combines contemporary and traditional Afrobrazilian dance.
The songs are drawn from a variety of Afrobrazilian & Afrocuban traditions.