Music of Amazonas

One can hardly think of Brazil without hearing the music that emanates from this eclectic country, from the heartbeat of the rhythmic Samba to the lilting accordion tones of Forró. Most of the music in Brazil is considered Afro-Brazilian, borrowing influences from its substantial African population, but in the Rainforest the music is called Toadas and is considered the only indigenous Brazilian music.

The percussive style of the folk music has its roots in the many Indian tribes who used to populate the Rainforest. Throughout the years since the conquerors came, the Indians mixed with the European explorers and a mestizo race, known as the Caboclos were born. Through this integration came western musical instruments which have found their place in Toadas and today the music has grown into electrified jazz dance music. During the festival, each performance is accompanied by a 300 member band, most of them playing some form of drum, and the music ignites the forest and sets the beat for the dancers and audience members alike.

Although the guitar has taken the place of the traditional stringed instruments made from gourds or armadillo shells and brass sections have been added to some of the songs, the beat remains traditional as does the theme, which has always been to tell the tales of the folkloric creatures, whether fictional or real, that inhabit the Amazon region. In fact, some people consider the Festival itself to be integral to maintaining a harmonious coexistence with the nature of the rainforest, a theme echoed in many of the tales and songs.