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

O show tem que continuarFundo de Quintal

Fundo de Quintal – O Show Tem Que Continuar

Formed in Rio de Janeiro in the late 1970s, the band Fundo de Quintal is the most important group in the pagode samba movement.

While rooted in samba rhythms, their style—sung casually in everyday settings rather than in parades—is called “pagode,” and it has now become one of the most popular music genres in Brazil.

Many of the members have created songs that are landmarks in samba history, and it’s no exaggeration to say that their journey is the very history of pagode itself.

The title track of their 1988 album “O show tem que continuar” is one of the most beloved songs in their extensive repertoire.

The lively banjo-backed accompaniment and the driving yet supple percussion beats create a powerful, happy atmosphere.

With its sure-fire singalong melody, it’s easy to enjoy even if you usually only listen to English-language pop—no explanation needed!

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MalandroElza Soares

Elza Soares – Malandro / TVE 1981

Elza Soares, the pinnacle and queen of Brazil’s female samba singers.

Born in the 1930s, she rose to popularity as a samba singer after starting her career in 1950, and as times changed, she evolved her musical style as well, continuously releasing daring works—an extraordinary presence.

In 2019, at the age of 82, she released a richly realized new album.

Here I’d like to introduce “Malandro,” a classic in the genre known as pagode—a pop-leaning style rooted in samba.

It’s the opening track of her celebrated 1976 album Lição De Vida, from her glorious 1970s streak of hits, and is said to be one of her biggest hits among her samba songs.

The piece was written in the early days of samba star Jorge Aragão, and Elza’s commanding, singularly distinctive voice conveys a peaceful, embracing warmth here.

Overflowing harmonies, a light yet refined ensemble… even samba newcomers are sure to find it a delight to hear!

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Samba De JaneiroBellini

Bellini – Samba De Janeiro

Even people who aren’t familiar with the samba genre might picture this track when they think of samba.

“Samba de Janeiro,” released in 1997, became a worldwide hit.

Its incredibly memorable main phrase is the kind you remember after just one listen—you’ve probably heard it used as a cheer song at professional baseball games, high school baseball, or soccer matches.

With its music video evoking the atmosphere of the Rio Carnival, the track is drenched in a festive mood.

But in fact, it’s by a techno unit led by German producer Ramon Zenker.

While borrowing musical elements of samba, it’s a four-on-the-floor dance track designed to tap into listeners’ primal excitement and keep them dancing.

It’s a bit of a curveball to call it samba, but the very fact that a song like this could emerge from samba is fascinating, isn’t it?

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Seleção de Partido AltoCandeia

Candeia – Seleção de Partido Alto – 1975

Candeia, who displayed his musical talent from an early age—composing a parade theme at just 15 that went on to become a signature song for Portela, the prestigious escola de samba to which he belonged—left an indelible mark on samba.

The piece featured here, Seleção de Partido Alto, appears on his third album, AMBA DE RODA, released in 1975.

Known as a torchbearer of roots samba and, unusually, a career police officer, Candeia passed away in 1978 at the young age of 48.

True to its Japanese title, “King of Samba,” the track is firmly grounded in traditional samba while strongly reflecting a musical sensibility steeped in African music—often cited as samba’s source.

Presented as a medley, it offers a glimpse that may help you grasp what samba is all about.

If it resonates with you, be sure to check out the full album!

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Dança Da CordinhaÉ o Tchan!

É O Tchan – Dança Da Cordinha (Ao Vivo)

Released in January 1996 by É o Tchan, a popular Brazilian pagode band, this track is characterized by an easy-to-dance rhythm that incorporates elements of Axé-samba.

Classified as upbeat axé music with lively accents, the song centers on a dance event where participants dance while passing under a rope.

Formed in Salvador in 1992, É o Tchan achieved major success in Brazil and abroad, with their first album released in 1995 reaching triple platinum.

This song is popular at carnivals and parties, and its energetic, danceable nature has made it widely loved.

It’s a perfect choice for those who want to enjoy Brazilian cultural events and social gatherings.

DisritmiaMartinho da Vila

Disritmia

One of the signature works by Martinho da Vila, a samba musician who represents Brazil, this piece was released in March 1974.

In a romantic and passionate samba style, it sings of a powerful desire to flee into the arms of a loved one and melt into their very presence.

The lyrics’ plea to have love bring order to a disheveled rhythm reflects the romanticism of bohemian life, a traditional theme in samba.

Imbued with Martinho’s rich expressiveness and deep emotion, this work honors Brazil’s musical heritage while captivating new generations—truly a samba classic worthy of the name.

Lapada DelaGrupo Menos é Mais, Matheus Fernandes

Grupo Menos é Mais e Matheus Fernandes – Lapada Dela (Clipe Oficial)

This is a song in the genre known as pagode by Grupo Menos é Mais and Matheus Fernandes, who hail from the state of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.

It features lyrics that capture the surge of emotions right after falling in love, along with an energetic, dance-friendly tempo.

The track is included on the live album “Confia (Ao Vivo),” released in January 2023, showcasing a performance recorded in concert.

Produced by Dudu Borges, it is a widely beloved piece in Brazil’s music scene.

With an infectious rhythm and captivating lyrics that enthrall listeners, it’s a perfect choice for getting crowds excited at parties and dance events.