Batuque, the Soul of a People (2006)

Batuque, the Soul of a People (2006) poster

In 1462, the first African slaves were settled on the island of Cape Verde brought by the Portuguese colons. It is supposed that they were the first inhabitants of the archipelagos. They carried with them the rhythms and the seeds of what became the BATUQUE: a music form, performed mostly by women, both singers and dancers. The singers, repeat very strong lyrics, sitting in a circle and beating the rhythms with their hands on a piece of cloth between their legs. While one woman performs a very sensual dance with her hips in the middle of the circle. During the colonial era, it has been strongly forbidden but it remained alive in clandestinity. The group Raiz de Tambarina, one of the oldest groups of Batuque on Santiago island, is composed of ordinary people, saleswomen, fish merchants, drivers... Through their every day life and performances we discover Cape Verde today and their passion for the Batuque.

Director: Júlio Silvão Tavares
Genre: Documentary, Music
Runtime: 52 min
Release Date:

Screenplay

Cinematography: César Paes
Production: LX Filmes, Laterit Productions, R.F.O.
Country: Cape Verde, France, Portugal
Language: No Language
Original Language: xx
More Films by Director: Júlio Silvão Tavares
More Films in Genre: Documentary, Music

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Batuque, the Soul of a People about?
In 1462, the first African slaves were settled on the island of Cape Verde brought by the Portuguese colons. It is supposed that they were the first inhabitants of the archipelagos. They carried with them the rhythms and the seeds of what became the BATUQUE: a music form, performed mostly by women, both singers and dancers. The singers, repeat very strong lyrics, sitting in a circle and beating the rhythms with their hands on a piece of cloth between their legs. While one woman performs a very sensual dance with her hips in the middle of the circle. During the colonial era, it has been strongly forbidden but it remained alive in clandestinity. The group Raiz de Tambarina, one of the oldest groups of Batuque on Santiago island, is composed of ordinary people, saleswomen, fish merchants, drivers... Through their every day life and performances we discover Cape Verde today and their passion for the Batuque.
Who directed Batuque, the Soul of a People?
Batuque, the Soul of a People was directed by Júlio Silvão Tavares.
How long is Batuque, the Soul of a People?
Batuque, the Soul of a People has a runtime of 52m (52 minutes).
What genre is Batuque, the Soul of a People?
Batuque, the Soul of a People is a Documentary, Music film.
Where was Batuque, the Soul of a People produced?
Batuque, the Soul of a People was produced in Cape Verde, France, Portugal.