Chico César (born January 26, 1964 in Catolé do Rocha, Paraíba) is a Brazil… Read Full Bio ↴Chico César (born January 26, 1964 in Catolé do Rocha, Paraíba) is a Brazilian Zouk singer.

With his outlandish neo-Indian costumes and music that borrows from reggae, hip-hop, and Senegalese mbalax, Chico César serves notice that he's doing Brazilian popular music his way. He marries an elastic voice that croons and purrs one moment, yelps and yodels the next, to a dexterity on guitar that puts him in the league of tiptop instrumentalists.

Originally released on a small independent label in Brazil, the live, mostly solo recording Aos Vivos launched César's career, putting him in demand as both a performer and the composer of hit songs like "A Primeira Vista," which Daniela Mercury transformed into the theme song for a smash TV soap opera, and the reggae-styled "Mama Africa." His unique take on the accordion-driven forro melodies of northeastern Brazil evoke Congolese and Angolan pop on "Tambores" and "Duvida Cruel" when he sets them against his bouncy, circular guitar lines. This welcome reissue easily trumps César's concurrently released studio recording on the Putumayo label, Chico César, proving that the charisma of a singer-with-guitar concert can brandish more firepower than an amplified ensemble.

Tambores
Chico César Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Peço atenção agora meus senhores
Pros tambores os tambores
Pois o que bate agora meus senhores
São os tambores os tambores
Mais forte que o açoite dos feitores
São tambores os tambores
Seu toque é o toque de espinos e flores
São tambores os tambores

Cura a dor de amor com mais amores
São os tambores os tambores
Soam onde eu for onde tu fores
São os tambores os tambores
Brasa do mais quente dos calores
São os tambores os tambores

Som dos viveres tinta das cores incolores
São os tambores os tambores

Overall Meaning

The song "Tambores" by Chico César speaks to the power of drums and their ability to heal and uplift. The lyrics begin by calling for the attention of all, as the drums begin to play. The repetition of the phrase "tambores os tambores" emphasizes the importance and magnitude of the drums in this context. The next line highlights the strength of the drums, comparing them to the pain of a slave master's lash. Despite their power, the drums also possess a delicate touch, represented by the mention of thorns and flowers. They can heal a broken heart and provide a source of constant sound and comfort, sounding wherever one goes. The final line speaks to the transformative power of the drums, as they represent both the heat of passion and the colors of life.

The song's message is one of unity and a recognition of the power of music, particularly drumming, in coming together and healing. The drums in this context can be seen as a symbol of African roots, and a way for people to reclaim and celebrate their heritage. Chico César is known for infusing his music with social and political commentary, and "Tambores" is no exception. It speaks to the history of oppression and slavery in Brazil, and how music can act as a form of resistance and liberation.

Line by Line Meaning

Peço atenção agora meus senhores
I request your attention now, gentlemen

Pros tambores os tambores
For the drums, the drums

Pois o que bate agora meus senhores
Because what beats now, gentlemen