THE OFFICIAL SITE OF BATALA NEW YORK
ABOUT US
Batalá New York is the premier all-womxn, Black-led, percussion ensemble activating partnerships, community building, and cultural awareness through high-energy performances of Afro-Brazilian music and dance.
We are transforming images of women by presenting a loud, fearless, diverse and resilient community of female drummers. We perform all over the New York region in concert halls, at community centers, parks and gardens, on the streets, at protests, and at renowned cultural institutions.
Batalá New York is one of approximately four Batalá groups that are all women and women-led. Batalá New York is part of a global community of bands playing Afro-Brazilian music under the name of Batalá. The Batalá bands principally play Samba Reggae, a world music that incorporates Brazilian Samba and Caribbean Reggae. We play the compositions and arrangements of Mestre Giba Gonçalves, founder of Batalá, and other mestres on metal drums with polymer skins.
Our music, instruments and costumes are primarily from Salvador da Bahia in the northeast of Brazil. All Batalá bands engage in fair trade and collaboration with the same drum makers, textile artists, printmakers, and other artisans in Salvador de Bahia.
We are an all-volunteer, non-profit, 501c3 organization.
BATALÁ HEY!
Batalá New York Highlights
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2024 Mermaid Parade Winners
For the second year in a row, Batalá New York has won Best Music Group at the Annual Mermaid Parade.
The Mermaid Parade is an annual event held in Coney Island, Brooklyn, celebrating the onset of summer with a colorful procession of participants dressed as mermaids, sea creatures, and mythical figures. It features creative costumes, music, and floats, embodying the whimsical spirit of Coney Island
You can see the list of all of this year’s winners here.
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Global Citizen Now
On Thursday, May 2nd, 2024; Batalá New York had the honor of being the final appearance and performance to close out the Global Citizen 2-day event.
Global Citizen Now is the space for the biggest moments of action in advocacy, The Two-day event will bring together a diverse group of leaders from both private and public sectors, alongside artists and advocates, to urgently address and work towards ending extreme poverty.
To access exclusive content, please join our Patreon.
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La Que Manda (Licky) Video featuring Batalá New York
Experience the vibrant energy of Batalá New York featured in Sanctuario's latest music video release, "La Que Manda (Licky)".
Released officially in April, immerse yourself in the rhythm and watch the video now.
OUR EVENTS
From NYC Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos:
“Thank you to BATALA New York for an amazing performance led by women drummers”
From the Creative Director of Glamour Women of the Year Awards:
“BATALA killed it last night!!! Thank you so much! Congratulations on an amazing performance!!”
Quote Source
“Greetings,please thank the percussionists for a job well done. Their contributions was greatly appreciated have a great evening.”
FAQs
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We offer two New Member Workshops throughout the year. Sign-up on our email list for updates.
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Our membership is open to all who identify as women regardless of race, religion, or sexual orientation.
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To be in Batalá, previous musical, dance, or performing arts experience is helpful, but not required.
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Yes, we do! We offer classes and workshops in various locations; please check our list of events for upcoming learning opportunities.
These classes and/or workshops will break down the music you've heard Batalá play, step by step.
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We perform at a variety of events. We perform on stages, street festivals, galas, special events, special locations, parades and rallies.
We are also available to teach special workshops.
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We are an all-volunteer, non-profit, 501c3 organization, you can support us with a donation, becoming a patron through Patreon for exclusive Batalá New York content and/or by purchasing our merchandise.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
Learn more about how your contributions help through the links below. You may simply give, or you may receive behind-the-scenes footage, unique access to performances, and other exclusive content by becoming a patron through Patreon.