[2026] Brazil’s National Music! A Collection of Iconic and Popular Samba Songs

Não Deixe O Samba MorrerAlcione

07 Alcione – Não Deixe O Samba Morrer

Known in Japan by the title “Ai no Samba wa Eien ni” (“Samba of Love Forever”), this well-known song has been covered by many Japanese singers.

It was a hit included on Brazilian singer Alcione’s debut album in 1975.

O Bêbado e a EquilibristaElis Regina

Elis Regina – O Bêbado e a Equilibrista

It’s a national hit of Brazilian music and a true classic, also known in Japan by the title “The Drunk and the Tightrope Walker.” The most famous rendition is by Elis Regina, who was especially popular from the 1960s to the 1970s.

With lyrics by Aldir Blanc—often called a national poet of Brazil, who sadly passed away from COVID-19 in 2020—and music by fellow renowned Brazilian musician João Bosco, the song can be enjoyed as a breezy, pleasant number if you listen without context.

In reality, however, it’s a satirical take on Brazil under the military regime of the time, and rather than bossa nova, it carries the spirit of samba rooted in the culture of the working-class neighborhoods.

Of course, enjoying the music on its own is wonderful, but do read the lyrics with a parallel translation if you can, and experience the message woven into the song.

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ConselhoAlmir Guinéto

Almir Guinéto – Conselho

Almir Guineto, one of the founding members of Fundo de Quintal—the leading group of pagode—later left the group and also gained popularity as a solo artist.

His signature song “Conselho” is one of the standard numbers in samba.

Juízo FinalNélson Cavaquinho

Juízo Final – Nelson Cavaquinho (1973)

This is Nélson Cavaquinho, a samba singer who took his name from the cavaquinho, a guitar-like string instrument used in samba and choro.

He has many well-known songs, and this one is among the most popular.

Samba da BençãoVinicius de Moraes

Samba da Benção – Vinicius de Moraes

This song, celebrated as a masterpiece by Vinicius de Moraes—a star who shines brilliantly in the history of Brazilian music—beautifully captures the essence of samba.

The lyrics, showcasing his full talent as a poet, portray samba not merely as music, but as a form of prayer that embraces both the joys and sorrows of life.

Created in the 1960s, the piece is positioned as part of the Afro-Samba series by Vinicius and Baden Powell, opening up new horizons in Brazilian music.

Featured on the soundtrack of the film “A Man and a Woman,” the song drew international attention and is highly recommended as an introduction to the allure of samba.

Casa de BambaMartinho da Vila

Casa de Bamba

This is “Casa de Bamba,” a signature song by Martinho da Vila, a leading figure in the Brazilian samba scene who played a key role in the samba revival of the 1970s.

It’s a quintessential samba track, perfectly suited for Brazil’s Carnival.

Os PassistasCaetano Veloso

Caetano Veloso – Os Passistas

Caetano Veloso, a leading singer of the Tropicália movement—an art movement in Brazil in the late 1960s.

This masterpiece is one he released in 1997.

Although Caetano Veloso is strongly associated with MPB, he’s a versatile musician who can do it all: bossa nova, samba, you name it.