The term “globalization” carries heavy baggage these days, but it has upsides, one of which is the global influence on musical styles. The latest sonic trend in the capital is undoubtedly the beats of Brazil. The capital’s jazz acts, including the bossa nova acts Girassol and Quack Quack, are putting Brazilian music front and center. Perhaps the act that has struck the loudest chord with Beijing expats, however, is Sambasia, Beijing’s own Samba bateria, or drum troupe.

“Sambasia has become like a family. Perhaps that’s something to do with the openness and warmth of Brazilians and the Brazilian culture responsible for the music,” says Sambasia member and music promoter Leon Lee.

Anyone who has seen or heard Sambasia can attest to the rhythmic power of a stage full of drummers pounding away with precision.

“Sambasia members are dedicated. We have practices three times a week,” adds Lee. “None of the members of the group are professionals, just people who have found how infectious it is to play the drums samba style. We want to be sure we’re doing the best we can with the utmost respect for the tradition and culture surrounding the music.”

Though Brazilian jazz and bossa nova might be more familiar to most readers, Lee maintains that there’s something special about samba. “Jazz is about the individual, with the structure of the music making way for each musician to shine during solos ... Samba is definitely about the collective.”

To assume Brazilian music is solely samba, bossa nova and jazz, however, would deny the existence of a wealth of other musical styles, including the inroads of talented Brazilian electronic music producers, such as DJ Bungle, who performs his Brazilian beat-infused drum ‘n’ bass at Yugong Yishan on Friday, September 4.

Whether bossa nova or drum ‘n’ bass, Beijing is ready to celebrate the range of two countries’ musics—made in China with Brazilian ingredients.

Want to get the latest gossip on Beijing’s clubbing and live music scene? Visit The Beat blog at www.cityweekend.com.cn/bjbeat

Dan Stephenson

Dan Stephenson is a Beijing-based promoter, DJ, writer, reluctant drum ’n’ bass proselytizer and musical faith healer.