Juba do Leão - maracatu rhythms from brazil

NEXT GIG:

29th April 2012
FESTA PARA OS TAMBORES SILENCIOSOS at RICH MIX Cultural Foundation London

Welcome to our site!

Who are Juba do Leão?

Inspired by the floor-shaking rhythms and vibrant dances of North-eastern Brazil, Juba do Leão take you on an enlightening tour of the intoxicating grooves of Brazil and beyond.

Drawing influence from the natural elements (fire, earth, wind, and water), the Orixás (deities) of the Candomblé tradition, and the meeting of cultures within Brazil and Africa, Juba do Leão shine a light into the enticing bottomless depths of Brazilian folkloric music and dance, whilst reaching into the contemporary treasure chest of uplifting modern Western styles.

Juba do Leão’s performance is informed by the many different cultures and traditions found within Brazil, which you can read more about here. The group was founded by Maracatu enthusiast Holly Prest following her travels to Brazil in 2004/5 thanks to a grant from the Winston Churchill Trust. The group’s first rehearsal took place on the 7th October 2005, and since then the group has performed around the UK, including:

The first ever gig in 2006 at Notting Hill Carnival
A support slot in 2007 for MONOBLOCO on their UK tour
Arts Council events in 2008
Platform 4 Piccadilly/X-TRAX in 2009
Blistering performances at the Royal Northern College of Music (for Christian Aid) and the Welsh Encontro in Cardiff in April and May 2010

What’s in a name?

We ALWAYS get asked what our name means and how to pronounce it!

Juba do Leão (pronounced ‘joo-bah (with a soft ‘j’) doo lay-yow) means ‘lion’s mane’ in Brazilian Portuguese. In Brazil, where the majority of our music originates, it’s very common to find groups named after animals, stars, and even boats! See What is Maracatu? for more info. Our logo and name are partly inspired by our director’s Leo zodiac sign.

If you would like to book us for a performance or would like any further information, please email: