Samba Made in Berlin: 2026 Edition

This year’s line-up features Banda Furiosa, best known for their long-standing participation in the Carnival of Cultures, Dudu Tucchi’s project Afoxé Berlin, and the hosts, Terra Brasilis.

‘Samba Made in Berlin’ is complemented by Faces Ocultas, a contemporary dance company from Brazil. This will be their first performance in Germany.

Programme:

Friday, 6 November, 7.30 pm

• Faces Ocultas
• Banda Furiosa

Faces Ocultas – Contemporary dance from Brazil

The award-winning Brazilian dance company Faces Ocultas from Salto, São Paulo, combines contemporary dance with socially relevant themes. The focus is on exploring the ‘hidden faces’ of human beings and their socio-cultural environment.

Through expressive choreography, impressive body language and great emotional power, the company tells stories of identity, resistance, cultural diversity and social change. Alongside international performances and festival appearances, Faces Ocultas is involved in numerous social and cultural projects.

Moça Bonita – A Tribute to Elza Soares

In ‘Moça Bonita’, Faces Ocultas pays tribute to the extraordinary life and work of the Brazilian music icon Elza Soares (1930–2022). The choreography tells the story of her rise from poverty and violence to become an internationally celebrated voice of samba, soul and Brazilian pop music. Dance and the body become an expression of strength, self-determination and resilience. The audience is invited to discover their own potential, to forge their own path and to celebrate the strength and independence of women.

Donos da Terra – The Masters of the Land

‘Donos da Terra’ explores the history and cultural significance of Brazil’s indigenous peoples. The company pays tribute to their deep connection with nature, their rich traditions and their cultural heritage.

At the same time, the piece tells of colonisation, oppression and the ongoing struggle for rights, identity and cultural self-determination. A powerful tribute to the indigenous communities and their unbroken resistance.

Banda Furiosa

Experienced in performing both on stage and amongst the audience, Banda Furiosa takes part every year in major events such as the IFA, the Berlin Marathon, the International Children’s Festival, the Carnival of Cultures, and the ‘Fête de la Musique’.

With their original music and dance performances, the band creates a fantastic atmosphere. Their passionate enjoyment of making music is overwhelming and rubs off on the audience; their energy makes people laugh and join in.

As the band performs without electric amplifiers or sound systems, the musicians can move freely around the venue and play in different locations, thereby engaging directly with the audience.

The group plays samba, Afro-Brazilian music and samba reggae with a line-up of between six and twelve musicians.