1. Rhythm:
- Samba is built on a distinct rhythmic pattern known as "batucada," which features a two-beat bass drum (surdo) playing the "boom-chick" pattern.
- The tamborim, a small frame drum, plays a fast and high-pitched pattern on top of the surdo.
- The cuíca, a friction drum, adds a high-pitched sliding sound.
2. Tempo:
- Samba is typically played at a fast or moderate tempo, ranging from 100 to 140 beats per minute.
3. Instruments:
- The percussion section is vital in samba, featuring instruments such as the surdo, tamborim, cuíca, repinique, caixa (snare drum), agogô (double bell), and reco-reco (scraper).
- Samba can also incorporate wind instruments like the saxophone, clarinet, and trumpet, as well as string instruments such as the guitar, cavaquinho (small guitar), and pandeiro (tambourine).
4. Vocals:
- Samba songs often feature call-and-response vocals, where a lead singer sings a line, and a chorus responds with a different line or a chorus.
- The lyrics in samba music are usually in Portuguese and often address themes of love, joy, celebration, and everyday life.
5. Improvisation:
- Samba musicians frequently improvise during their performances, particularly during the instrumental sections. This improvisation adds an element of spontaneity and creativity to samba music.
6. Dance:
- Samba is not only a musical genre but also a dance style. The samba dance involves quick foot movements, hip swaying, and energetic body movements that complement the rhythm of the music.
These musical features create a lively, rhythmic, and joyful atmosphere that makes samba a popular and beloved genre of music enjoyed worldwide.