Ilê Aiyê

Origin

Salvador, BA

Also known as

Ile Aye

Years active

1974

Genres

samba afro, axé, samba-reggae, afro-brazilian music

Instruments

percussion, surdo, timbau, caixa, repique, martelo, dobra de uma, dobra de duas

Biography

Ilê Aiyê is considered the first Afro bloc in Brazil, founded on November 1, 1974, in the Liberdade neighborhood of Salvador, Bahia. The group emerged as a center of protest against racism, with the goal of promoting a positive representation of Black people and exalting the African roots of Brazilian culture. The expression "Ilê Aiyê" comes from the Yoruba language and means "house of life" or "earth," reflecting the bloc's strong connection to Afro-Brazilian culture and Candomblé.

Since its creation, Ilê Aiyê has been an important vehicle for cultural and social expression, using music, dance, illustration, and clothing to combat racism and promote the self-esteem of the Black community. The bloc is composed of Black percussionists, singers, and dancers, and its music combines Brazilian rhythms with African traditions, creating a samba-afro style that influenced the emergence of other Afro blocs and the samba-reggae genre. Artists like Gilberto Gil, Margareth Menezes, and Carlinhos Brown have been influenced by Ilê Aiyê's work.

In addition to its performances during the Salvador Carnival, Ilê Aiyê develops educational outreach projects and initiatives to value Black culture. The bloc is also known for the "Night of Black Beauty" event, which celebrates the beauty of Black women and elects the "Ebony Goddess." With over 40 years of history, Ilê Aiyê has established itself as a cultural heritage of Bahia and an international symbol in the fight against racism through art.