Introduction

Wellington Batucada is a community based percussion group which brings the flamboyant world of samba from Brazil to Wellington. Batucada is a Brazilian word used to describe the syncopated, African-influenced samba music played by a large percussion group (bateria) as part of a street parade or carnival.

Originally formed in November 2001 to perform in the Cuba Street Carnival, Wellington Batucada endeavors to replicate the authentic samba sound playing a variety of Brazilian rhythms including samba batucada, partido alto, samba reggae, samba funk, and baion. We have been blessed through visits by several superb Brazilian and non-Brazilian samba teachers who laid the foundations for our music.

New rhythms and musical fusions are being explored and developed to reflect the wider cultural influences here in New Zealand, and to create a form of live dance music that's uniquely ours. Check out photos and video from some of our events in the gallery and audio/video pages.

We are an all inclusive group - anyone can join regardless of experience or ability. We will even provide community owned authentic Brazilian instruments for those who do not have their own. Currently we have 40-45 members regularly coming to our weekly practices. We are in demand to play at many parades, festivals and events. Often we perform with our affiliated Brazilian influenced groups Capoeira Pasifika, Dance Brasil, and The Sambalicious Dancers.

Our vision

Continue the growth of Wellington Batucada, the samba percussion group dedicated to creating community through the learning and sharing of samba.

Provide expertise, instruments and opportunities for anyone, regardless of experience, to learn and share percussion music.

Take our music to the street and stage so that musicians can experience performing, and New Zealand audiences can experience the sound of samba.

Contribute to the arts and cultural scene in Wellington and inject it with sound, colour, and energy!

Beginners Classes / How to join

Wellington Batucada is for everyone, regardless of experience. We have a range of authentic Brazilian instruments that beginners are welcome to use and we encourage people to just come and check it out at our regular rehearsals.

When we have suffient numbers of interested beginners, we run a 4 week block of beginners classes on Sundays in Thistle Hall before our regular practices. This is an opportunity learn the basic techniques and patterns on number of instruments and cover the rhythms of Brazil including samba, samba reggae and baion.

It is expected that the next beginners classes will begin in May 2008. To register your interest email wellingtonbatucada@gmail.com, and we will be in touch with you when details are finalised.

For Hire

We welcome the opportunity to perform in parades, festivals, corporate and private functions, so feel free to call us for a booking or to find out more information.

Call Jo on 021 798694, or email the group on wellingtonbatucada@gmail.com

Performances to date include: