baiao
what it is
The baião is a Northeast Brazilian rhythmic formula that became the basis of a wide range of music. Forró, côco, and embolada are clear examples. The main baião instrument is the zabumba, a flat, double-headed bass drum played with a mallet in one hand and stick in the other, each striking the opposite head of the drum.
✦ start here: albums
✦ who's making it, level by level
level 3 · one step out
cult favorites and indie darlings
level 4 · further
art pop, hyperpop, and the underground
level 5 · all the way
deep experimental
✦ make baiao a playlist
turn these 19 artists into something you can press play on.
✦ nearby genres
questions
What is baiao?
The baião is a Northeast Brazilian rhythmic formula that became the basis of a wide range of music. Forró, côco, and embolada are clear examples. The main baião instrument is the zabumba, a flat, double-headed bass drum played with a mallet in one hand and stick in the other, each striking the opposite head of the drum.
What are good baiao albums to start with?
Try Clara Nunes by Clara Nunes, Luiz Gonzaga "Eu E Meu Pai" by Luiz Gonzaga, Elba Canta Luiz by Elba Ramalho, and Gilberto Gil (1969) by Gilberto Gil.
Who are some women making baiao?
musicisforgirls.com/genres/baiao/girls lists women, non-binary artists, and bands with women making baiao, from mainstream to underground.
genre notes from last.fm listeners · artists and albums from last.fm, updated 2026-10-22