Singing for Survival: Capoeira History

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In this episode we take a look at the histories of Dandara and Luisa Mahin, and discuss how institutional racism and sexism has affected how they are remembered and viewed today.

Dandara is commonly known as the wife of Zumbi, and was a fierce warrior who helped defend the Palmares from the bandeirantes. She killed herself rather than be captured and is a powerful inspiration to many Capoeiristas today.

Luisa Mahin was a grocer and revolutionary in her own right and is said to have helped organize the Malê revolt. Her memory was persevered by the writings of her son, Luis Gama, a well-known Brazilian abolitionist. 

Serious debate has occurred in Brasil over the inclusion of these women in the Pantheon of the Fatherland and Freedom, with many saying they are not historically legitimate enough to be included. In this episode

Intro Music: Dandara by Nina Oliveira

Capoeira Music: É Dandara by Mestre Barrao and Carolina Soares

Please send me any questions and comments: [email protected]

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In this episode, I go over some questions that were sent in about Lampiao and go over a song describing life in the sertao. It's nice to have another opportunity to look more into Lampiao and this unique region of Brazil!

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Song lyrics: http://alacazum.blogspot.com/2010/01/na-161-edicao-do-programa-radiofonico.html

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In this episode, we look into the history of Virgulino Ferreira da Silva, also known as Lampião! Lampião is a very important folkloric hero of the Brazilian sertão, who is often seen as a Robin-Hood like figure. The full history of Lampião is significantly more complex, and sheds light on the culture of this region in the early 1900's. Tune in to hear the story of a veritable comic-book hero who revolutionized the way that bandits in the Brazilian backlands operated and even dressed! I hope you enjoy this as much as I did!

Please email me any questions/comments: [email protected]


Footage of Lampião: https://youtu.be/eBBQReNSw00 

Some Images: https://streetsmartbrazil.com/lampiao-maria-bonita-meet-cangaceiros-brazilian-sertao/

More images: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lampi%C3%A3o

Pictures of clothing/business cards, and lots of sourses: http://www.habanaelegante.com/November_2015/Invitation_vonHartenthal.html 

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In this episode, I go through a handful of questions that were sent in relating to our last episode on Zumbi and the Quilombos dos Palmares. These questions lead us to a lot of interesting places, such as African rooted arts in the Caribbean and present day Quilombos, and has opened up a lot of additional topics for us to go into in future episodes! I hope you enjoy this more casual episode and as always, please send any questions or topic suggestions to my email here: [email protected]

• Quilombo Movie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-z0M-vcCB4 
• Mestre Moraes Ladainha: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ob7lTZiziiA 
• Mestre Leopoldinha Ladainha: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCM4EoWdlc4&feature=emb_title 
• Mestre Barrao, E Dandara: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbFcC9Cdx6M 
• Mestre Boa Gente: Zumbi, Zumbi, Olha Zumbi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55FJT1EDoVE 
• Pretinho, No terreiro da Fazenda: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWe7JHheBZU 

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In this episode, we dive into the history of the Quilombos dos Palmares, as well as the most famous person to come from there, Zumbi! Here we will talk about how the Quilombos came to exist, and why the Palmares were so important to Brazilian and Capoeira history, before digging into who Zumbi was. This was a super fun topic for me to research, and I hope you enjoy it!


Please send any questions or comments to [email protected] and I will be organizing a follow-up episode to talk more about Zumbi and the Palmares!


Map of the Palmares: https://www.blackpast.org/global-african-history/palmares-ca-1605-1694/


Song in this episode: http://www.capoeira-music.net/all-capoeira-songs/all-capoeira-corridos-songs-h/hoje-eu-vou-me-libertar/ 

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Welcome to my podcast! In this episode I introduce myself and the purpose of this podcast. I hope you'll join me to explore the people and music that have made Capoeira what it is today.

My YT channel with movement tutorials: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzqSLX4lh8ljaYyTZSRAO7A/featured 

Please email me with any suggestion or questions: [email protected]