samba
what it is
Samba is a Brazilian musical genre derived from African and European roots. It is worldwide recognized as a symbol of Brazil and Carnival. The samba derives a kind of dance of roots African arisen in Brazil and taken as the national pace for excellence.
✦ start here: albums
✦ who's making it, level by level
level 2 · the door
big names with a sharper edge
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 samba a playlist
turn these 37 artists into something you can press play on.
✦ nearby genres
questions
What is samba?
Samba is a Brazilian musical genre derived from African and European roots. It is worldwide recognized as a symbol of Brazil and Carnival. The samba derives a kind of dance of roots African arisen in Brazil and taken as the national pace for excellence.
What are good samba albums to start with?
Try Cartola (1974) by Cartola, A Mulher do Fim do Mundo by Elza Soares, Universo Ao Meu Redor by Marisa Monte, and Dois Momentos by Novos Baianos.
Who are some women making samba?
musicisforgirls.com/genres/samba/girls lists women, non-binary artists, and bands with women making samba, from mainstream to underground.
genre notes from last.fm listeners · artists and albums from last.fm, updated 2026-10-20