The vibrant rhythms of Afro-Brazilian and Japanese musical traditions came together this Sunday, April 6, in Praça Zumbi dos Palmares, Maringá, during the second performance of the project “Conversation Between Drums – Ancestral Encounters.”
Bringing together the groups Sucena and Abaredaiko, with special participation from the Gakuto Group, the event showcased a powerful fusion of percussive traditions from two rich cultures. Audiences were treated to a celebration of rhythm, spirituality, and movement as Afro-Brazilian and Japanese sounds echoed across the square.
“These presentations are aimed at the community, in order to provide information about the instruments and practices that involve singing, dancing, and spirituality of African and Japanese origin,” explained Rosangela Kimura, the project’s general coordinator, through the press office. “In addition to promoting the event, we intend to broaden the aesthetic and musical experiences of those present, who will have the opportunity to experience the music and dances, together with the participating groups.”
The initiative fosters a cultural dialogue between traditions such as coco, jongo, and samba de roda—important expressions of Afro-Brazilian heritage—and Japanese elements like taiko drumming, bon odori (a traditional dance in memory of ancestors), and other traditional musical forms. This fusion includes the blending of atabaques, congas, and berimbau with taiko drums and the shamisen, a traditional Japanese string instrument.
Though rooted in seemingly different cultures, the shared reverence for ancestry and spiritual expression serves as a bridge between these traditions. This cultural dialogue will continue in upcoming performances scheduled over the next few weeks.
After Praça Zumbi dos Palmares, the project will continue at the Memorial Kimura on May 4 at 10 a.m., where lunch will also be served, and at Parque do Ingá on May 18 at 10 a.m. All performances are open to the public and free of charge.
During Sunday’s event, each of the three groups—Sucena, Abaredaiko, and Gakuto—delivered individual performances before coming together in a final joint musical sequence that demonstrated the harmony between African drums and Japanese taiko.
The Sucena Group, a longstanding cultural force in the community, has been active for 40 years and is officially recognized as a public utility organization. As a non-profit institution, it promotes cultural, social, and sports initiatives that support social inclusion and the appreciation of Brazil’s popular traditions.
The Abaredaiko Group, established in 2009, focuses on preserving and promoting Japanese culture through taiko drumming. It is deeply involved with the local Japanese community and works to introduce the discipline and art of taiko in schools, temples, and cultural events.
Through these powerful performances, Conversation Between Drums – Ancestral Encounters continues to create space for mutual respect and cultural appreciation, using music as a universal language that connects communities and honors ancestral legacies.
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