Orquestra Afro-Brasileira

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Years active

1942–1970

Genres

samba, afro-brazilian, jazz, world music, folk, batucada, candomblé chants

Instruments

percussion, agogô, atabaque, adejá, urucungo, angona puíta, rum, rumpi, lé, trumpets, trombones, saxophones, clarinets, piano

Biography

The Orquestra Afro-Brasileira was a groundbreaking musical ensemble founded in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1942 by maestro and composer Abigail Moura. The orchestra's mission was to celebrate and preserve the memory and culture of Black Brazilians, a pioneering endeavor for its time. Moura ingeniously blended Western brass instruments like trumpets, trombones, and saxophones with a rich array of African and Afro-Brazilian percussion, including agogô, atabaque, adejá, and others. This fusion created a unique and powerful sound that was both avant-garde and deeply rooted in tradition.

Throughout its nearly three decades of existence, the Orquestra Afro-Brasileira presented approximately one hundred performances and released two significant albums: "Obaluayê – Orquestra Afro-Brasileira" in 1957 and "Orquestra Afro-brasileira" in 1968. These recordings are now considered seminal works in Brazilian music, showcasing Moura's compositions that ranged from batuques and jongos to maracatus and Candomblé chants. The orchestra's performances were often imbued with ritualistic elements, reflecting Moura's deep connection to Afro-Brazilian religious traditions. Despite its artistic significance, the Orquestra's reach was limited, primarily appealing to an intellectual and Black elite audience.

The Orquestra Afro-Brasileira disbanded in 1970 with the death of its founder, Abigail Moura. However, its legacy has endured, influencing subsequent generations of Brazilian musicians. In 2003, the 1957 album "Obaluayê" was remastered and reissued on CD. More recently, in 2021, Carlos Negreiros, the sole surviving member of the original ensemble, revived the Orquestra, releasing a new album titled "80 Anos." This revival, along with a subsequent remix album featuring contemporary artists, underscores the Orquestra Afro-Brasileira's lasting impact on the Brazilian musical landscape.