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
Shaulin Nago
Timbalada Lyrics
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Eu sou mulher rendeira
Costumo defender
Quem vem me render
Você não corre perigo
Me abrace amigo
Sou o seu melhor sabor
Não precisa lareira
Deita aqui na estrela
Que eu te levo aonde vou
Trago Alá de lá
Te enrolar na lã
Já nasci sendo sua fã
Quem vem de lá render
Eu sou mulher rendeira
Costumo defender
Quem vem me render
Quem vem de lá render
Eu sou mulher rendeira
Costumo defender
Quem vem me render
Seja meu caramelo
Seja a paz de um império
Lua cheia de avelã
Um guerreiro de Tupã
Antes que adormeça
No soar das trombetas
Caia por cima de mim
Como lutador
Um Shaulin Nagô
Por um lado pecador
Quem vem de lá render
Eu sou mulher rendeira
Costumo defender
Quem vem me render
Quem vem de lá render
Eu sou mulher rendeira
Costumo defender
Quem vem me render
Quem vem de lá render
Eu sou mulher rendeira
Costumo defender
Quem vem me render
Quem vem me render
Quem vem me render
Quem vem me render
Quem vem me render
Caia nessa roda
Venha se pintar
Deite no meu colo
Vem se apaixonar
Caia nessa roda
Venha se pintar
Deite no meu colo
Vem se apaixonar
Valeu, valeu, valeu, valeu, valeu, levar
Valeu, valeu, valeu, valeu, valeu, levar
Valeu, valeu, valeu, valeu, valeu, levar
Valeu, valeu, valeu, valeu, valeu, levar
Eu sou mulher rendeira
Quem vem de lá render
Costumo defender
Quem vem me render
Quem vem de lá render
Eu sou mulher rendeira
Costumo defender
Quem vem me render
Quem vem de lá render
Eu sou mulher rendeira
Costumo defender
Quem vem me render
Quem vem de lá render
Eu sou mulher rendeira
Costumo defender
Quem vem me render
Venha, venha, venha
The lyrics to Timbalada's song Shaulin Nago depict a powerful, confident, and seductive female character. The singer declares herself to be a "mulher rendeira" or lace-maker, a traditional female craft in Brazil. She welcomes whoever comes her way, assuring them that they need not be afraid since she will protect and defend them. She invites them to lay down with her under the stars and promises to take them to an elevated spiritual realm, symbolized by the mention of Allah. The singer exudes sensuality, encouraging her partner to embrace her and relish her irresistible taste. She further adds that her partner need not worry about earthly comforts such as a fireplace, as she will take care of everything. The singer then refers to her partner as "caramelo" or caramel, and highlights that she wants to create a peaceful empire with him, reminiscent of Brazil's colonial past. She then mentions the "Shaulin Nago," a warrior of the Afro-Brazilian religion Candomblé, who is both sinful and virtuous, and encourages her partner to fall over her like a fighter.
The lyrics of Shaulin Nago are steeped in Afro-Brazilian culture, spirituality, and folklore. It celebrates the strength, wisdom, and seductive power of women, particularly those with ancestral roots in Brazil. The singer's invocation of Candomblé and references to the Shaulin Nago warrior illustrate the enduring influence of African spirituality in Brazil. The lyrics also highlight the seamless integration of African and Brazilian musical styles, fusing samba, reggae, and axé rhythms. Overall, the song inspires a sense of confidence, sensuality, and cultural pride, resonating with Brazil's rich history and diverse population.
Line by Line Meaning
Quem vem de lá render
I am a strong, independent woman who is not afraid of anyone who tries to challenge me.
Eu sou mulher rendeira
I am not just a woman, I am a skilled craftsperson who can create beautiful works of art.
Costumo defender
I am not afraid to stand up for myself or others who may need my help.
Quem vem me render
Anyone who comes to me with the intention of causing harm will not succeed, for I am strong and powerful.
Você não corre perigo
Do not fear me, for I am not a threat to you as long as you are not a threat to me.
Me abrace amigo
Let us embrace as friends and not enemies, for there is more strength in unity than in division.
Sou o seu melhor sabor
I offer the best of myself to those who come to me seeking guidance or companionship.
Enfeitada de amor
I am adorned with the beauty and warmth of love.
Não precisa lareira
You do not need a fire, for I can provide all the warmth and comfort you need with just my presence.
Deita aqui na estrela
Lie down beside me and enjoy the beauty and wonder of the universe.
Que eu te levo aonde vou
I will take you with me wherever I go, for my strength and power can lift up those who need it.
Trago Alá de lá
I bring with me the spiritual strength of the divine, which can protect and guide us in all things.
Te enrolar na lã
I will wrap you in the softness and warmth of wool, a symbol of the love and care I have to offer.
Já nasci sendo sua fã
I have always admired and respected you, even before we met, for I can see the goodness and potential in all people.
Seja meu caramelo
Be my sweet companion, and together we can enjoy all the joys and pleasures of life.
Seja a paz de um império
Be the peace and stability that can hold us together, even in the most difficult of times.
Lua cheia de avelã
May we be surrounded by the light and beauty of the full moon, and enjoy the richness and sweetness of life.
Um guerreiro de Tupã
May we be strong and courageous like the warriors of Tupã, who fought for what was right and just.
Antes que adormeça
Before we go to sleep, let us take a moment to appreciate all that we have and all that we are.
No soar das trombetas
In the midst of all the noise and confusion of life, let us be still and listen for the call to peace and love.
Caia por cima de mim
Let us be united in our love and passion, and share in the joys and pleasures of life together.
Como lutador
As fighters, let us never give up or lose hope, no matter how difficult the battle may seem.
Um Shaulin Nagô
May we be as strong and fierce as the Shaulin Nagô, who never backed down from a fight and always fought with honor and integrity.
Por um lado pecador
Though we may have our flaws and imperfections, let us strive always to be our best selves and work towards a better future.
Caia nessa roda
Join us in this circle of life, where we can all connect and share our joys and sorrows together.
Venha se pintar
Let us all come together and express ourselves creatively, sharing in the beauty and diversity of life.
Deite no meu colo
Rest your head on my shoulder, and let me comfort and care for you with all the tenderness and love I can offer.
Vem se apaixonar
Fall in love with life itself, and let us all embrace the beauty and wonder of the world together.
Valeu, valeu, valeu, valeu, valeu, levar
Let us all celebrate the joys and blessings of life, and cherish the memories and experiences we share together.
Eu sou mulher rendeira
I am a confident and capable woman, who is proud of her skills and talents.
Quem vem me render
Anyone who tries to challenge or harm me will be met with fierce resistance and strength.
Venha, venha, venha
Come, come, come, and let us all join together in love and unity, creating a better world for all.
Writer(s): Carlinhos Brown
Contributed by Colin V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.