Bloco Afro Percussivo Batuquedum

Bloco Afro Percussivo Batuquedum

Bloco Afro Percussivo Batuquedum, commonly known as Batuquedum, is a vibrant Afro-Brazilian bloco (street band) renowned for its powerful percussion and dedication to Afro-Brazilian culture. Founded in 2010 in the city of Campinas, São Paulo, the bloco emerged from a local community project focused on percussion workshops. The name 'Batuquedum' is a playful reference to the word 'batuque', which describes a style of Afro-Brazilian percussion, and the 'dum' sound that is commonly associated with the beat of drums.

Batuquedum’s musical repertoire is deeply rooted in traditional Afro-Brazilian rhythms, such as samba-reggae, maracatu, and ijexá. Their performances are characterized by a dynamic mix of polyrhythmic patterns and strong vocal arrangements, often incorporating songs that celebrate Afro-Brazilian heritage and spirituality. The bloco’s bateria (percussion section) is composed of various instruments like surdos, repiques, caixas, timbals, and agogôs, creating a rich and immersive soundscape.

Batuquedum participates actively in Campinas' Carnival celebrations, parading through the streets with an energy that attracts both locals and tourists. Beyond Carnival, the bloco engages in various cultural events and performances throughout the year, aiming to promote Afro-Brazilian music and dance, and raise awareness about cultural diversity. Batuquedum also conducts educational workshops, sharing their knowledge of percussion and Afro-Brazilian culture with the community, and fostering the next generation of percussionists.