Many enjoy hearing the beats and rhythms of Brazilian music and they share personal opinions on these. Some even making this type of music one of their influences and trying to mix them with other European music genres. Because Brazilian music evokes a wide range of emotions, it is used not only as a form of entertainment but also to convey political messages and campaigns. Its lively music keeps people in tune to the beat and the prominent sound of the bass and percussion instruments agitates the feelings of the listeners. Music can consolidate a movement and lead it to march in one song.
Then and today, movements are emerging to emphasize and promote the nationalist culture in Brazilian music. From its early roots, music has been used to propagate culture and interest. For example, Brazil music, they say, were originally developed by black slaves. They used this not only for their religious rituals but also to unite their ranks and strengthen their spirit. The melodies and rhythms, combined with dances, convey powerful messages fighting against the repressive condition that the slaves suffer from. Samba, for example, evolved from choro in a neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro where residents are mostly impoverished blacks and are descendants of slaves. This is during the beginning of the 20th century, proving that music is enriched by the culture, experience and emotions of the people. Also in the advent of the 20th century, nationalist movements aiming to create a genuine Brazilian music with less European influences were born. One famous composer named Heitor Villa-Lobos, fused the different elements of various Brazilian musical genres and promoted national art. In 1976, a cultural movement called the Movimento Black Rio, created a mix of Brazilian music genres not only to promote music, but also to promote 'black culture'. It is also therefore, a social movement, inspired by the African-American Civil Rights Movement. They fused samba with soul music, to play a different kind of genre as opposed to Bossa Nova which is a Brazilian music genre created by white intellectuals in the South. The group, along with many others, wanted to show their pride and culture despite being a marginalized sector in the society. Their message is that like music, rights should be universal, enjoyed by all regardless of race or color, and that discrimination must be stopped.
Next time, Brazilian music drops into the conversation, not only hunky image of Sergio Mendes should come to mind. Remember, too the powerful movements that created the music, inspired the music and strengthened by the music. When the music is heard, it goes beyond the rhythm, the beats and the sound. More importantly is the feeling and the surge of emotions created by the passionate and joyful music of Brazil.