Hello everyone!
Today I’m here to talk about a very popular Brazilian music style: forró.
I did a meetup about music and showed a Forró music so I decided talk more about it.
(Tomorrow I’ll post the recap)
Forró was rised in the Northeast, but is danced throughout Brazil. Each region has a way of dancing and is preferred in some states (and are brazilian teaching it in other coutries as well!).
The origen of Forró have some versions but the two more famous are:
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At the end of the 19th century, the English who worked on the iron constructions located in the Northeast had great parties. Some of these parties were open to the public and they spread signs with the words “For All” (in English). Thus, the term forró was originated by the variation of the pronunciation of the expression in English.
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The American soldiers held parties that were called forrobodó (African expression that means drag-foot, racket, party for rabble). Thus, according to Aurélio (the most recognized dictionary in Brazil), the word forró is the contraction of the term forrobodó.
To dance forró you need a partner and have some ways to dance.
The types of Forró music are:
1. Forró pé de serra
Forró pé de serra was created in the mid-40s and is the most traditional of all types. Most of the time, he is formed by a team of three musicians who play triangle, accordion and zabumba. The steps are basic and defined by the simple turn of the lady. The great representatives of forró emerged from there, for example, Luiz Gonzaga, Gonzaguinha, Genival Lacerda and several others.
This is Luiz Gonzaga singing ‘Respeita Januário’ (Respect Januário) Is possible to add subtitles on youtube video.
People dancing Forró Xote
2. Forró Universitário (University Forró)
The university forró was born in São Paulo by young people tuned in to the news of music and is influenced by Rock`n Roll, Samba, Funk and Reggae. The dance became more stylized, with more complex turns and a more elaborate sequence of steps. The main names of this style are Falamansa, Rastapé and others.
Falamansa singing ‘Xote dos Milagres’ (xote of miracles) with subtitles.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjBx8aOJuq0
People dancing Forró Universitário.
3. Forró Eletrônico (Electronic Forró)
Electronic forró generates many controversies among the more traditional ones, however it has great success throughout Brazil, especially among young people. The music is already influenced by the guitar, drums and keyboard. It is a more pop forró and the steps are fast, with complex turns. The best known names of this style are Aviões do forró, Wesley Safadão, Calcinha Preta and others.
Wesley Safadão singing ‘Sonhei que estava casando’ (I dreamed that I was getting married) with subtitles.
People dancing Forró Eletrônico (Eletrônic Forró)
The most famous band and people are with man. Have one or other that is changing, but women need to fight a little bit to get sucess in the Forró World. Other thing that is changing is about dancing. Normally is woman and man, but now ir more common see men dancing together and women as well.
A bonus video of one of my favorite songs: Xique-xique.
Well, I hope that was good for you read it.
Take care!
