A product of the brilliant imagination of singer, songwriter and virtuoso percussionist Carlinhos Brown, Timbalada does justice to Bahia's rhythmic tradition and, at the same time, introduces modernity and boldness to it. The main singer's hoarse voice, the non-sense of the lyrics, the tribal painting an the collective use of sunglasses helped to place Timbalada among the most original and ceative bands to appear in the last years.
Timbalada is an Afro-Brazilian musician group from Candeal, Salvador, Brazil. It was founded by drummer Carlinhos Brown. The musical style is between samba reggae and axé, with strong influences from African music. They are a highly popular group that regularly plays sold-out shows throughout Brazil.
The group is mostly known for its active participation to the carnival each year in the streets of Salvador de Bahia. It also engages in social activism by working with needy children, providing education and drum courses to help them in social integration.
Musically, Timbalada is credited with two major innovations in the instrumentation of Afro-Brazilian music: the revival of the timbal (a tall, high-pitched hand drum), and the development of a rack of 3 surdos (bass drums) that can be played by a single player. The timbal, which had been nearly extinct before Timbalada began featuring it, has since become widespread in many Afro-Brazilian genres, including axé and samba-reggae. The rack of surdos, also called a bateria-de-surdo (surdo drumset) is now widely used by many groups for stage performances when not parading. Because the bateria-de-surdo can only hold 3 surdos within arm's reach of a single player, the traditional 4-surdo arrangements of many samba-reggae rhythms is often trimmed down to a 3-surdo arrangement
Braseira Ardia
Timbalada Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Eu sou Brasileiro
Da braseira ardia
Não tenho dinheiro
Mas tenho alegria
Aiôlulai, aiôlulai
Eu sou vassoureiro
Pra limpar terreiro
Pra juntar magia
Aiôlulai, aiôlulai
Mama ê mama
Dá-lhe, dá-lhe, dá-lhe, dá-lhe, dá-lhe
Dá-lhe, dá-lhe, dá-lhe Brasileiro
A tica saltita como sabe
Samba lá, Timbalada guerenguê
(Oyê mama)
The lyrics of Timbalada's song, Braseira Ardia, celebrate the joy and pride of being a Brazilian despite financial struggles. The verses speak of a person who may not have money, but has happiness and spirit. The refrain, "Aiôlulai," is a traditional Brazilian expression of excitement and enthusiasm. The lyrics also refer to the role of the "vassoureiro," or street sweeper, who creates cleanliness in the community and gathers "magia," or magic, through their labor. Overall, the song is a celebration of the Brazilian people and their resilience in the face of adversity.
One interesting fact about Braseira Ardia is that it was written by Carlinhos Brown, a prominent Brazilian musician who also founded the Timbalada group. The song was released on the group's 1993 self-titled album, which was a huge success in Brazil and helped popularize their unique style of music that blends Afro-Brazilian rhythms with pop and rock. The group often performs in elaborate and colorful costumes, incorporating dance and theater into their shows.
Another interesting fact is the origin of the timbal, a percussion instrument that is central to the Timbalada sound. Brown invented the instrument in the 1980s by combining a surdo, a Brazilian bass drum, with a snare drum and other elements. He wanted to create a sound that was distinctly Afro-Brazilian and that could blend with other instruments like the guitar and synthesizer. The result was the timbal, which has become a signature instrument for the Timbalada group.
In addition to its musical influence, Braseira Ardia has also been used as a political statement. The song's lyrics about the resilience of the Brazilian people have been used as a rallying cry for social justice and equality. The song has been performed at public protests and rallies in Brazil and other countries, serving as an anthem for those who fight for marginalized communities.
The chords for Braseira Ardia are not available at this time.
Line by Line Meaning
Aiôlulai, aiôlulai
Expressing joy and excitement through a traditional chant
Eu sou Brasileiro
Proudly stating their nationality as Brazilian
Da braseira ardia
Referring to the heat and passion of Brazil
Não tenho dinheiro
Admitting that they do not have much wealth
Mas tenho alegria
Emphasizing the importance of having joy and happiness despite financial status
Eu sou vassoureiro
Identifying themselves as a street sweeper
Traz vassoura, tia
Requesting a broom from a woman to clean the streets
Pra limpar terreiro
Explaining that they want to clean the neighborhood to create a better community
Pra juntar magia
Believing that cleaning the streets will bring positivity and magic to the area
Mama ê mama
Another form of expression typically associated with Brazilian culture
Dá-lhe, dá-lhe, dá-lhe, dá-lhe, dá-lhe
Encouraging individuals to give their all and put effort into everything they do
Dá-lhe, dá-lhe, dá-lhe Brasileiro
Specifically encouraging Brazilians to work hard and strive for success
A tica saltita como sabe
Describing a woman dancing in a lively and energetic manner
Samba lá, Timbalada guerenguê
Encouraging people to dance to the music of the Timbalada band
(Oyê mama)
Another form of expression typically associated with Brazilian culture
Lyrics © EMI Music Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: MESTRE P. DO BONGO, CARLINHOS BROWN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind