As Ganhadeiras de Itapuã

Origin

Salvador, BA

Years active

2004

Genres

samba de roda, folk music, mpb

Biography

As Ganhadeiras de Itapuã is a prominent Brazilian musical group and cultural collective originating from Salvador, Bahia, that preserves the oral traditions and musical heritage of washerwomen who historically worked at Lagoa do Abaeté. Formed formally in 2004 within the sacred grounds of Mariinha and Dona Cabocla's terreiros, the group roots its artistic expression in the traditions passed down through generations since the 19th century by enslaved and freed women. Their performances are celebrated for capturing the ancestral spirit of samba de roda and traditional cantigas that once echoed across the waters of Abaeté.

Throughout their career, the ensemble has achieved significant national recognition, including winning the prestigious Prêmio da Música Brasileira in 2015. Composed of seventeen women, children, and accompanying musicians, they have toured extensively across Brazil, bringing their rich folkloric repertoire to diverse audiences. Their cultural impact was further cemented when the renowned Rio de Janeiro samba school Unidos do Viradouro honored them during the 2020 Carnival parade, a collaboration that contributed to the school's championship victory that year.

Sharing stylistic affinities with other guardians of Afro-Brazilian heritage such as Martinho da Vila and Beth Carvalho, As Ganhadeiras de Itapuã stand as vital custodians of regional folklore. Their self-titled debut album released in 2004 by Coaxo do Sapo documented their unique sound and mission to immortalize the songs of Bahian laundresses. Through their ongoing artistic endeavors, they continue to bridge historical memory with contemporary Brazilian popular music, echoing the vibrant legacy of artists like Dona Ivone Lara.