Cordão do Boitatá

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Years Active

1996

Genres

marchinha, samba, afro-samba, afoxé, maxixe, frevo, carimbó, xote, instrumental music, carnival

Instruments

accordion, piano, cavaquinho, acoustic guitar, baritone saxophone, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, flute, pandeiro, triangle, surdo, clarinet, zabumba, drum, snare drum, percussion, winds, strings

Biography

Cordão do Boitatá is a Carnival street band from Rio de Janeiro founded in 1996 by a group of musician friends who shared an appreciation for Brazilian popular music, especially recordings from the Marcus Pereira label, and artists such as Pixinguinha, Waldemar Henrique, and Xangô da Mangueira. The group emerged with the mission of rescuing and celebrating music from traditional Brazilian festivals, such as carnival marchinhas, carimbó, xote, as well as rhythms like sambas, afro-sambas, afoxés, maxixes, and frevos. Throughout its trajectory, Cordão do Boitatá expanded its repertoire to include arrangements of music by Villa-Lobos, Fela Kuti, Abdullah Ibrahim, and even Bob Marley, demonstrating a rich fusion of styles and influences.

Since its creation, Cordão do Boitatá has been one of the main drivers behind the revitalization of street carnivals in Rio de Janeiro. The band stands out for its grand performances, which can last up to seven hours and attract thousands of revelers. In 2004, they released the CD "Sabe lá o que é isso?", featuring original compositions and interpretations of classics, with guest appearances by Dona Ivone Lara and Teresa Cristina. The group has also undertaken cultural immersions in states such as Amazonas, Pará, and Maranhão, incorporating elements of local folklore into their music.

With over 25 years of history, Cordão do Boitatá has become an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Rio de Janeiro. The band is known for its orchestra of more than 100 instrumentalists and for its Multicultural Ball at Praça XV, which brings together major names in Brazilian and international music. Artists like Martinho da Vila, Marisa Monte, João Donato, Yamandu Costa, and many others have performed alongside Cordão do Boitatá, cementing the group as a musical epicenter and a symbol of the diversity and joy of Rio's carnival.

Discography

• Sabe Lá o que É Isso? (2004)
• Dos Pés à Cabeça - Na Rua (2024)
• Dos Pés à Cabeça - Na Praça (2024)
• Folias do Lago com o Cordão Boitatá e Convidados