Music
Press
Readers Poll: Best Local Band
First: Batala
http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/bestofdc/2010/artsandentertainment/readerspoll/best-local-band - Washington City Paper 2010
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/artsandliving/magazine/our-town/010310/ - The Washington Post Magazine
http://dcist.com/2009/10/dcist_profile_batala_in_washington.php
- dcist
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/32224701#32224701 - msnbc.com
"Batala was a big hit at the 16th annual Hot August Blues. I hear as much about you guys as our main stage acts. You will be back next year for sure." - Brad Selko Director, Hot August Blues
Batala Voted 3rd "Best Local Band" in Washington, DC
http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/bestof/2009/artsandentertainment/readerspoll/best-local-band - Washington City Paper 2009
Discography
- Batucando (Batala Paris, 2001)
- Xiree (2007)
- In studio for new CD on January 24, 2010.
We will record:
X (with new opener)
Eurostar
Numbers (0-1, 0-2, 1, 2, 6, 7)
Batala Hey
Directo
Funk
New Reggae
Liberdade
Photos
Bio
Batala is a samba-reggae band that plays rhythms typical of the northeastern region of Brazil. The heavily syncopated music is rooted in traditional African drumming, and is accented with a heavy dose of Brazilian samba.
Batala in Washington, DC is part of an international Batala family originated in Paris in 1997 by Giba Goncalves. From Paris, Batala spread to other cities in France, Belgium, Spain, Africa, the U.K., and Brazil. In 2007, Batala was born in Washington, DC. The DC Batala is one of two around the world comprised of only women. The group is diverse in nationalities and ranges from ages 21-60+. The mission is to empower women through drumming and expose people to Brazil's dynamic music and culture. Band proceeds go toward providing instruments and costumes to its members, all of whom are volunteers.
Batala began as the European wing of Cortejo AFro, an arts education project to help disadvantaged youth. The instruments and clothing are all manufactured in Salvador, Bahia, where the band has a social program providing jobs for many poor families.
Batala Washington was voted Best Local Band in DC's City Paper 2010, and third in 2009. Batala Washington is also on the DC Performing Artist Roster.
Band Members
Links