Bahia part II: Olodum and Axé (ppt 7)

Question 1

Olodum

Answer 1

• a bloco afro that emerged in the 1980s and achieved global celebrity and influence
• led by Neguinho do Samba
• headquartered in Salvador, Olodum quickly became a cultural community made up of thousands and force for racial justice and social change

Question 2

Axé

Answer 2

• an umbrella term meaning “life force or positive energy”
• its back-bone is samba-reggae, pioneered by Olodum, often using an ijexá rhythm
• cannibalizes other styles of music, like samba, frevo, and carimbo, salsa, merengue, reggae
• upbeat, made for dancing and parties
• lyrics typically focused on sex, romance, and carnaval
• brightest stars: olodum, Carlinhos Brown, Daniela Mercury

Question 3

what makes Carlinhos Brown such a unique performer?

Answer 3

• he is involved in every aspect of the music, from production and composition to instrumentation and singing
• musically and lyrically more experimental and eclectic than most other axé performers