Zabumba

Zabuma brings the festival of forró to the Netherlands. Shuffle, swing and dance sensual in a unique South American atmosphere. Singer Miniká Demirdjian, born in Sao Paulo, celebrated the forró on the spot and she communicates the exuberance of the northeastern parties like no other. Together with percussionist João Arruda, guitarist Nelson Latif Fahkouri en accordionist Henk Meulenbeld she established the forróband Fuzuê  and has illuminated many festivals in Europe. And with accordionist Joost van Son, guitarist/cavaquinhoplayer Henk Janssen, bassist Tessa Cook and percussionist Matthias 'Do Pandeiro' Haffner, a performance of Zabumba becomes a true forrozão: a big party!

Forró comes from the Northeast desert of Brazil. Where the sun is merciless, the soil recalcitrant and people do not have much. But they do have smashing danceparties that often last all night. Originally the music comes from the interior of Brazil and moves between cajun, zydeco and samba, with fast, rough lyrics, an panting accordion and a very own, but typically Brazilian percussion. Thanks to the great singer and accordionist Luiz Gonzaga, the Baião and Xote - the main dances from the forró- conquered the big cities since 1950, and has developed into popular music and Brazilian forró Universitario (one of the latest trends, returning to the original instruments). And now entire Brazil dances forró!

If desired, the occurrence of Zabumba can be preceded by a dance workshop forró.

Miniká Demirdjian: vocals

Joost van Son: accordion

Henk Janssen: guitar, vocals, cavaquinho

Tessa Cooke: bass, vocals

Matthias 'do Pandeiro' Haffner: percussion