In the XVI century, many slaves were brought to Salvador de Bahia, the first capital of Brazil where it was colonized by Portuguese. These African slaves brought with them all their culture: religion, music, dance… Samba was born in slums in Rio de Janeiro in the early twentieth century. At the end of the ninetieth century, with the abolition of slavery in 1888, many blacks, Africans slaves, moved towards Rio de Janeiro to work in the docks, as street vendors or as domestic servants. They brought with them their dances and African percussion. Samba music was born of a fusion between Portuguese, and other Europeans, and African percussion and local influences. So, samba is a natural fusion between many racial groups. The first samba registered was "Pelo telefone" (On the phone), in 1916 by singer Donga. The first sambas were very influenced by other rhythms of the time as maxixe (very rapidly) and “la marcha” (a simple, binary and vivacious rhythm). Very soon, this title became a success and provides the Samba an exit out of the classification that they awarded him the time, that is to say a black Brazilian popular. The word "samba" could come from several sources. One of the most likely comes from the Angolan word "Semba", which means "umbigada" (invitation to a dance where they rubbed navel against navel). In Bantu, the term "Semba" or "mesemba" has several meanings: "pray", "invoke", "complaint", as the Blues, which helps explain why the samba was at the base, a religious ceremony among blacks. This term could also mean "dance with gaiety" interpretation that applies perfectly to this dance. In umbundu, samba translates to "be animated, excited”.

          What is really samba dance? Samba can be practiced alone or in couple. “Samba no pé” (samba’s feet) is samba danced alone and it is the most famous samba in Brazil, it is often this dance is practiced during the carnival. It is also practiced in the streets of Rio de Janeiro. In fact, when I go to Lapa by night or other neighborhoods, I can see Brazilian people dancing samba alone and people playing samba music. I think this is the real Brazil:  everybody is friendly, dancing, happy… Samba is now a complete dance because each body part is used. The legs move back and forth or vice versa in a very particular way while the arms sweep across the air at the basin level. There are a large number of steps. Samba music is binary with two or four stroke which originated in Brazil. Musically the rhythmic structure is noted in 2/2 time in 2/4 time or 4/4 time by Brazilian Jazzmens and European percussionists. Samba inspired by his lopsidedness and vigorous rhythm, you cannot remain insensitive and immobile in general listening to samba. Since the end of 1920, the “samba do enredo” has developed in samba schools in Rio de Janeiro.