Maracatu Drumming Workshop (Afro-Brazilian Rhythms in Mooroopna/Shepparton!)

About

Discover Maracatu, one of Brazil’s most powerful drumming traditions!

Maracatu de Baque Virado comes from Recife, in the state of Pernambuco in North East Brazil. Its roots go back to the colonial era, when enslaved Africans held processions to crown their own Kings and Queens of Congo. Kept alive for centuries by Afro-Brazilian communities, it is still the heartbeat of Recife’s Carnival, where groups called nações (nations) parade through the streets with dozens of deep drums, call-and-response chants and dancers.

In this 2-hour hands-on workshop you’ll learn the syncopated rhythms of maracatu on traditional instruments:

• alfaias: big wooden bass drums
• caixas: snare drums
• agbê: beaded shakers
• gonguê: an iron bell that holds the groove together

No experience needed: complete beginners and experienced players are equally welcome, and we provide all the instruments. Just bring your energy (and some water).

Your facilitators

Humberto Porto (workshop leader) is a Melbourne-based Brazilian cultural producer, educator, percussionist, traditional drum luthier and researcher specialising in Afro-Brazilian music and cultural traditions. His practice is centred on preserving and sharing living cultural heritage through performance, education, community participation, and intercultural collaboration.He taught maracatu workshops and performed in Canada, the UAE, England, Italy, Germany, Spain and across Australia. He is the founder and leader of Baque Voador, a maracatu group based in Naarm.