Ologundê
Afro-Brazilian Folkloric Music & Dance Group

The New York-based Ologundê ensemble celebrates the rich Afro-Brazilian culture of Salvador, Bahia through a diverse repertoire of music and dance. Comprised of Brazilians living in the United States and Brazil, Ologundê includes former members of world-renowned music and dance troupes and is under the direction of noted percussionist Dendê from the famed Timbalada band. The ensemble toured Greece as part of the Cultural Olympiad, appearing at the Kalamata Dance Festival and at the Athens Festival at the Acropolis and has performed throughout the US since its formation in 2002. 
The group provides workshops, lecture-demonstrations and performances for people of all ages. Their performance can be divided into any of its various components, some of which are listed below.
 
CANDOMBLÉ
In candomblé, the Afro-Brazilian syncretism of Yoruba and Catholic religions, the musicians play atabaques (barrel-shaped drums) and agôgô (two-toned bell) and sing in a mixture of Portuguese and Yoruba. The dancers, driven by the music, seek to commune with the orixas. The orixas then embody one or many members of the group and dance along with the group. There are many different orixas all of whom may appear at a traditional ceremony.


CAPOEIRA
In capoeira, similarly to candomblé, the musicians play an atabaque and agôgô. In addition, they play pandeiro (tambourine), reco-reco (scraper) and 3 bermibaus (struck bowed instrment) which are the centerpiece of the jogo (game). Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian martial art which is played between two capoeiristas in a roda (circle). The musicians sing songs which sometimes reference the game that is being played while the capoeiristas attack and escape from their opponent. The game is then “bought” whereby one of the musicians takes over for one of the dancers and the game continues.

MACULÊLÊ
Maculêlê is a tradition Afro-Brazilian warrior dance where the dancers carry either swords or sticks. In unison with the tradition rhythms, the dancers hit each other’s sticks. Between hits, they perform acrobatic movements.

SAMBA DE RODA
Usually performed after capoeira, Samba de Roda is a street samba that is performed within a circle. Traditionally, after a capoeira roda, the musicians play samba. Female dancers then enter the roda and the men compete to dance with them. The men often confuse or trick each other long enough to steal away their partner.

For further information or a promotional packet please email: mamadele@mamadele.com All photos made available by Jack Vartoogian, Front Row Photos ©