Brazil is known as a nation that likes to party. There isn’t a time of year when citizens aren’t dancing, building community and enjoying the amazing sounds the country has given the world. From Bossa Nova and Baile Funk to Brime and Choro. But at the start of every year, things go up a notch thanks to the Rio Carnival. Taking place in Rio de Janeiro for a week in late February, the carnival goes back to the 18th century (!) and is still going strong. Packed with floats and festivities, it attracts up to two million people per day and is firmly one of the biggest in the world.
To help celebrate the occasion, we uncovered some incredible shows on our platform to get you in the mood. So, whether you’ll be one of the two million a day on the streets of Rio, or you’re watching from afar, these are for you!
Gimenes’ Grooveria – Grooveria Brasil #104
Starting off straight at the source, Sao Paulo-based Gimenes’ Grooveria revisits the tunes that defined his youth in Brazil. Featuring tracks from the 1970s and 1980s, this mix – heavy with Samba and Baīao – tells an amazing story about a bygone era in the nation’s music scenes and just how important these sounds are in that journey.
Balamii – Club Swei : Rio Carnival w/ 22Dosete – February 2024
Club Swei turned their Balamii residency into a party to celebrate last year’s Carnival. With a special guest – DJ and production coordinator 22DoSete – the show takes us through a study of the Brazilian producers he grew up on, like DJ Salva, CRAZED (BR), Vhoor and more. Some serious heat in this one.
Diggers Dozen – Batukizer – Live Sessions #492
This mix is packed with an unmistakable groove. Rio’s very own Batukizer joins Diggers Dozen and gracefully takes us through the ages with some smooth Brazilian Jazz and Bossa Nova. Very guitar friendly, the vocals of singers such as Silvo Cesar, Balbino and Erasmo Carlos shine like the sun that kisses the Brazilian plain some Carnival time.
Reprezent Radio – Love In The Endz w/ Deekapz – 14th June 2021
Record label and art collective Love In The Endz bless the Reprezent airwaves with big Baile Funk and Perreo energy. Their show takes several turns, but the result is the same: endless dance and enjoyment. Real party on the beach with your shoes off type vibes!
Tamara Maravilha – Brazilian Carnival Selection
Transmitting from the capital city of Brazil, Brasilia, Tamara Maravilha helps us get our dancing shoes on. Consisting of Samba, Frevo and Bahia, the mix brims with high tempo, incredible live instrumentation and beautiful harmonies. It teaches us one thing: Brazilian singers have a lot of range!
Mike Styles – Sketches of Brazil Carnival on Wax
USA-based Mike Styles provides some feel good Brazilian tunes for the kids on a sunny Carnival afternoon. The calm of these Bossa Nova and Samba Groove-leaning tracks are enough to put a smile on your face as you go about your day. Right before you hit the streets for Carnival.
broon_69 – It’s time for Carnival: Brazil carnival mix 2023
This vinyl only mix by broon_69 was made to celebrate the 2023 edition of Carnival and it doesn’t disappoint. Featuring tracks by Airto, Azymuth, Jorge Ben, Caetano Voloso and Do Um Romao, it’s packed with funky drums, addictive basslines, punchy keyboards and lots of rhythm. In one word, it’s rocking!
D Moraes – Street Carnival Brazil
Residing in Mato Grosso, Brazil, D Moraes takes a different route in his mix. Here, he blesses us with some amazing Techno and Tech House but with an undeniable bounce that can translate to the party atmosphere Carnival brings about. Play this if you’re ready for a late night dance!