The Rhythms of the Marvelous City

Rio de Janeiro has one of the most vibrant live music scenes in Brazil. Only São Paulo has a more varied and eclectic music scene, but Rio de Janeiro easily wins in the presentation of live Samba and Bossa Nova shows.As the great Bahian singer and songwriter Dorival Caymmi said: “Whoever does not love samba is not a good person. They are either not well in the head or sick in the foot.” In Brazil, samba is recognized as a genuinely Brazilian popular music, and the Marvelous City, Rio de Janeiro, is the stronghold of this musical style. Wherever you go, the sound of the surdo, pandeiro, and tamborim invites you to see, hear, and dance samba.Samba is part of the essence of the Carioca. Crowds gather in samba blocks during the rehearsals of samba schools on weekends, and in both small and large circles, samba can also be heard on every corner of the beaches. In any case, in Rio de Janeiro, Caymmi’s song rings very true. Samba is linked to life in the communities, and its lyrics gently and humorously speak about urban life, workers, and the daily life of Brazilians. Samba is also one of the symbols of black culture in the country, as it has its origins in African dances and popular cultural manifestations of Brazil.Samba in LapaTo listen to samba in Rio de Janeiro, you don’t need to have a Carioca soul, nor do you need to know its history. Just go to Lapa, the bohemian cradle of the city. Walking around there is a must-see attraction. At night, its stories and samba, of course, are the main attractions. Throughout the neighborhood, you will find bars, restaurants, and houses that surpass the colorful mansions. Sit down in one of the many bars decorated with photos that tell the city’s history, order a delicious rib pie and a cold beer.From the BondinhoThe next morning, take a more traditional and flavorful ride that Rio has to offer: stroll through the Santa Teresa neighborhood. Among narrow streets and slopes, you will find charming shops and craft workshops with many products you can take as souvenirs. To enjoy all the charm of the neighborhood, don’t forget to take a tram. Once on the Santa Teresa tram, from above, at the famous Arcos da Lapa, you will have one of the most beautiful views of Rio de Janeiro, with its breathtaking beaches and landscapes.Enjoy Bossa NovaJust like any musically rich city, Rio de Janeiro is also the birthplace of one of the most famous styles in the world, Bossa Nova. With the influence of samba and American jazz, Bossa Nova is the style that best represents the city’s charisma and is indeed a delight to listen to. With a colloquial tone and themes that speak of everyday life and love, Bossa Nova is sung like a whisper, delicate and sentimental.Bossa Nova is the most internationally famous Brazilian music and has permeated the fabric of the entire country, especially in Rio. However, as the popularity of Bossa Nova peaked in the late 1960s, it is no longer played much in nightclubs. But there are many places where you can enjoy this typically Brazilian rhythm. Below, we list some suggestions:• Centro/Lapa. Santo Scenarium – www.santoscenarium.com.br/• Zona Sul. Bar do Tom – www.plataforma.com/novo/bar.asp. Bottle’s Bar and Little Club – http://becodasgarrafas.mus.br/. Livraria Bossa Nova e Cia – www.bossanovaecompanhia.com.br/. Vinicius Show Bar – www.viniciusbar.com.brSource: Ministry of Tourism / Brazilgovnews.gov.br