Brazilian group Barbatuques are on a tour for their 25th anniversary and boy are they taking over London while they’re here.
Originating in São Paulo, they are known for transforming body sounds into iconic music. Their sound crosses multiple genres from samba and funk to carimbó and rap. They have gained global recognition from their incredible performances and are commended for their uniqueness and innovation in getting body music recognised as an artform.
Making their London debut at the Jazz Cafe. The audience make for a striking first impression, it’s a real mixture of people but one thing that holds the room is this level of wholesomeness and good vibes. There is almost a sense of love in the air. People are chatting and making friends, some are dancing with one another to the sounds being played in the venue to conjure one of the nicest pre-show vibes to be found in London’s calendar.
Over a goosebump-inducing set, each band member endows the performance with a beguiling contribution; whether it’s a melody or a beat, each brings a different charisma and energy through their movement before introductions of a wooden flute and a guitar for a couple of songs add another new dimension to the performance.
The control and impact they have with their voices and sounds to create not only different melodies and percussions but also to create different atmospheres and environments and be able to tell stories is incredible. Barbatuques work the room and get the crowd involved in a comedic way. The group exit the stage to leave one member, who urges the audience to follow his lead in creating different claps, clicks, stomps and vocals; it’s enjoyable to be part of and hear the audience create their own version of a Barbatuques song.
The unique talents of Barbatuques are well worth catching in the flesh, and this first trip to London can be considered a roaring success.
