Dancing to the rhythms of Samba

It is not very often that we get to hear vibrant Afro-Brazilian sounds live on the island. In fact, there is only one band in the country that plays the heart-racing rhythms of Samba Batucada and Samba Reggae similar to the street musicians and bands that make the Brazilian carnival so iconic. Just before July ends, this Cyprus-based group will bring these explosive sounds to the heart of Limassol.

Batukinio Percussion Band in collaboration with prominent guest musicians will perform an authentic music show presenting a well-known world music repertoire. Their performance on July 28 will close the 17th Cyprus Rialto World Music Festival with some 20 musicians on stage.

Batukinio’s distinctive timbres will add a vibrant hue to the show, impressing the audience with their dynamic stage performance to the rhythms. The band was formed in 2009 by percussionist Rodos Panayiotou counting, to this date, 40 members. On Thursday, members of the band will take to the SEK parking place stage to join some well-established musicians.

Leading the group and on percussions will be Rodos Panayiotou while Evelthon Michaelides is on bass, Yiorgos Krasidis on saxophone, Elias Ioannou on the trumpet, Marios Papares on the saxophone, Andreas Theocharous on the tuba and Andria Antoniou on vocals.

Batukinio and Friends

Closing ceremony of the 17^th Rialto World Music Festival with a percussion band and other musicians. July 28. Rialto Theatre, Limassol. 9pm. €5. Tel: 7777-7745