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SAMBA GROUPS IN WALES: A SNAPSHOT
An addendum to the main report prepared by Daniel Bernstein (September 2002), and
commissioned by the Arts Council for England Drama Department, as part of the
National Carnival Policy Consultation.

Prepared by Richard Essex, member of Samba Galêz. January 2003

Introduction.
This Addendum has been written to complement the publication of the report “Samba Groups: A Snapshot” prepared by Daniel Bernstein (September 2002), which was commissioned by, and submitted to, the Arts Council of England. It endeavours to give a more detailed “snapshot” of the background to samba in Wales, building upon the information contained within the main report.

As invited participants at the Samba in the U.K. Conference, held in Brighton in May 2002 to coincide with the Samba Encounter 2002 event, representatives of Samba Galêz are party to, and support, the Conference conclusions and recommendations contained within the main report. Samba Galêz also supports the formation of a more formal association for samba groups in the United Kingdom; and have become active participants in the now established web site network, with individuals within Samba Galêz becoming members of group.

I would like to thank the following for the advice and information that they have provided; Simon Preston, Chris Girling, Kim Rolfe & Jim Blythe (Samba Galêz); Jo McCarthy (Samba Tawe); Elizabeth Bennett (Samba Agogo); Jonti (Samba Bangor); Adrian Wiggins; and Sam Alexander. Without them, this report would not have been possible. The responsibility for the content remains mine.

History of samba in Wales.
There would appear to be two main influences on the establishment of samba performance in Wales, embracing the broader context of music, dance and ‘carnival’. Firstly, contact with both those individuals who were party to the early public performance of samba in the U.K. by visiting or British based Brazilians playing samba music; and such groups as the London School of Samba, Inner Sense Percussion in Manchester and the Bristol School of Samba, who were established from the mid 1980’s onwards. And secondly, through the more general ‘carnival’ tradition and activities associated with the multi-cultural character of Cardiff’s population, centred mainly on specific areas of the city, such as Butetown. These traditions and activities have always had a very local ‘community’ base.

The South Wales Intercultural Community Arts (SWICA), established in 1990, was a catalyst for bringing these two influences together and generating interest in samba performance as a community activity in South Wales. From its inception, SWICA “has been dedicated to celebrating the cultural diversity of the region through creating new arts opportunities to be enjoyed by people from a wide variety of backgrounds”. These activities comprise:-
• Carnival Arts: This has included a combination of workshops aimed at introducing the three Ms of Carnival Arts – Making, Movement and Music. Projects have ranged from the high profile multicultural MAS Carnival, which still continues as a popular annual event in Cardiff, and has since been established in Swansea on a similar basis; through to regular multi-disciplinary Carnival Arts Residencies in the Vale of Glamorgan and Valleys communities.
• Celebratory Music: the introduction of Steelpan, Tabla and Samba percussion workshops to Wales.
• Theatrical Spectaculars. These have ranged community mini-operas and an intercultural storytelling company touring village halls, to large-scale outdoor productions generally linked to Wales’s multicultural past and present, using multimedia methods, incorporating music, dance and other aspects of the visual arts.
• The establishment of Samba Galês (now Galêz). This was considered to be the flagship group arising from SWICA’s activities in the 1990’s, linking performance to training and access courses for local people.
Samba Galêz (a name change to reflect better translation and a new identity in 2001!) have since become independent from SWICA, but still perform at many of SWICA’s headline events in Wales.

Steve Fletcher, Director of SWICA, was responsible for establishing and maintaining the range of activities outlined above. Indeed, he made contact with samba percussionists from outside Wales, in order to create training and access programmes for local enthusiasts, which led to the establishment of the then Samba Galês.

From the mid 1990’s, local samba groups have been established in other parts of Wales through the activities of individual enthusiasts / experienced ‘sambistas’ &/or the activities of organisations promoting community based initiatives in Wales. These include:
• Samba Agogo (Aberystwyth). Formally established in 2002, following regular workshop courses held in Aberystwyth over the past 5 or 6 years.
• Samba Bangor. Formally established in 1996, following workshop sessions promoted by Community Music Wales and the Rhythmic Hands Community Percussion Group in 1995, and originally tutored by Adrian Wiggins and Tim Hines.
• Bata Tan (Newport School of Samba). Established in 2001 by a local community initiative and with guidance by Chris Girling.
• Samba Tawe (Swansea). Formally established in 1994, following previous informal contact with members of the then Samba Galêz.
• Samba Powys & the Repercussion Street Band: These bands were established by Adrian Wiggins and colleagues in the mid 1990’s, but none currently survive in their original form.

In addition, a number of independent dance groups, based on a range of Brazilian Carnival Samba rhythms, have been established in Wales, including Fernanda Amaral's Patua Dance Co., the Colours of Brazil, and the Street Dance Union (Sallie McLennan), all based in Cardiff.

Case Studies (Individual performers and Samba groups)
It is always difficult to present a definitive list of groups and practitioners, as samba is still a relatively new form of cultural expression in Wales, and circumstances can change fairly rapidly.

Early individual practitioner catalysts in establishing samba based percussion activities in Wales would appear to include Chris ap Thomas, Sam Alexander, Simon Preston and Adrian Wiggins. Chris and Sam were involved in the establishment of the original Samba Galês in Cardiff through a programme of workshops, supported by SWICA. Sam was originally with the Bristol School of Samba, and for a very short period he became Samba Galês’ founding Director. After performing elsewhere in the U.K. and travelling in Brazil, Sam is now with Maracatu Estrela do Norte, based in London. Chris was also involved in the early days of Samba Galês and provided guidance to subsequent leaders of other samba groups in Wales. Details for Simon and Adrian are given below.

In terms of groups, Samba Galêz has maintained a high profile in terms of performance and organisation over the past decade, but other samba groups perform the equally essential function of spreading access and performance throughout Wales. The case studies outlined below help to describe the diversity of structure and practise in a relatively small country such as Wales.

Individuals
As implied above, the development of samba-based performance in Wales has been, to a large extent, dependent on the activities and commitment of certain individuals with musical and/or organisational skills. The livelihood of some of these individuals is partly or fully dependent on samba performance and associated activities, so there is inevitably a balance between enthusiasm and commitment to the musical form and its associated cultures; and self-interest in trying to maintain an acceptable level of remuneration.

In this context, Steve Fletcher, from SWICA, assisted in the establishment of samba groups in South Wales from the early 1990s, as part of the wider remit of his employing organisation. Through Steve, SWICA continues to support existing samba groups in Wales through the organisation of paid public performance and events.

There are a limited number of key individuals who have, and continue to, perform an important role in developing samba performance in Wales. Concentrating on South Wales, these include the following examples.
Simon Preston, as well as being the Musical Director of Samba Galêz for the past eleven years, has tutored extensively and occupied a number of community music animateur posts in the United Kingdom, including some based in so called socially deprived communities, such as Penrhys in the Rhondda Valleys and in Bristol. Previously with the Bristol School of Samba, Simon has studied extensively in Brazil, Cuba and Africa. He leads Samba Galêz in the majority of their public performances and at rehearsal workshops. He has also been responsible for the production of two C.D.s; “Samba Galês” (1996) and “Claro” (2001). Over the past decade, Simon has been a protagonist for collaboration and participation in the promotion and performance of samba.
Adrian Wiggins and Sallie McLennan, operate as freelance tutors and facilitators (as well as performers) from a Cardiff base. Adrian was responsible for a number of samba group initiatives based mainly in the Welsh / English border area during the 1990s, whilst Sallie tutors and performs both in music and dance.
Chris Girling, has operated on a similar freelance basis as a performer and tutor over the past eight years This has included Carnival residencies in the South Wales; community music projects in collaboration with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Welsh National Opera and others; and freelance contracts with schools, as well as with various samba based festivals and projects in the U.K. and Ireland. He has studied extensively in Brazil, Cuba and the U.K. There are others elsewhere in Wales who have performed similar functions, and who have been and will continue to be indispensable if samba-based activities are to survive and flourish in Wales.

The five current community based performing samba bands in Wales, described below, are also dependent on members from within each giving their time voluntarily to ensure continued existence. Without this commitment from unnamed individuals, samba performance would not
survive on the scale now established in Wales.

Samba Groups
Samba Agogo (Aberystwyth).
Samba workshops and courses have been held in Aberystwyth from the late 1990s onwards. Since the autumn of 2001 weekly workshops have been held at Aberystwyth Arts Centre. As a result of requests for public performance, those attending the workshops decided to establish Samba Agogo in May 2002.
The group is independent and has a constitution, which is essential to support applications for funding. There are approximately thirty registered members, with over twenty turning out on a regular basis. Membership of Samba Agogo is open to anyone who attends the regular workshop sessions at the Arts Centre, subject to there being a willingness to perform at public engagements. The leader of the group is Zoe Cryer, who has also performed on a regular basis with the Repercussion Street Band (see below) for the past 5 to 6 years.
Samba Agogo perform a range of styles including timbalada, maracatu, samba hip-hop and samba reggae. Within the past twelve months, public performances include local festivals such as Llanidloes Fancy Dress, Machynlleth Carnival and Newtown Mayfest; peace rallies; and the arrival of the Commonwealth Games baton in Aberystwyth.

Samba Bangor
Following a year of gestation in 1995, marked by the organisation and advertisement of samba percussion classes open to all, Samba Bangor was formally established as a named performance group in 1996. Regular open workshops continue to held on a weekly basis. Between 1997 and until fairly recently, Samba Bangor extended from musical performance into samba dance, but currently there are no dancers within the group. Over the past two to three years, Samba Bangor have become increasingly involved with the University of Bangor, particularly through the Music Department and with José Lima from Olinda, Bahia and Stelios Giannovlakis from Athens. Currently, the main activities of the group are the production of their first CD, with the assistance of Stelios, a member of ElectroacousticWales; and the implementation of a capacity building project primarily aimed at permanent residents in the Bangor area, which is likely to extend over a two years period. There are around twelve active members of the group, and to some extent new membership is dependent on the interest of student intake from the University. As a community group, Samba Bangor endeavour to operate on the basis of a cooperative organisation, maintaining low costs. This maximises access opportunity for the self-interested. The group has a web site, which includes reports back from a visit by two members to Brazil. Samba Bangor has a constitution. It is financially solvent, and is not necessarily dependent on grant funding support, as no one receives direct payments, only expenses for costs incurred.
The band’s repertoire covers basic grooves, including on and off beat sambas, samba reggae, baioã, co co, maracatu, xoti, ijexa / congo. Public street performance also includes megaphone vocals.
The main development theme of Samba Bangor has been for the keener members to play at major events, such as Manchester 5000; Samba Fever and Afoxé Loni, both with Dudu Tucci; Sea Change, Belfast; Brighton Encounter; Samba ya Bamba, Renfrew; and more recently, with the Candomblé project, Manchester

Samba Galêz.
Samba Galêz was established in 1990. Following negotiations with SWICA in 2001, it was resolved that Samba Galêz should become a properly constituted body, independent from its parent organisation (SWICA). A Constitution and Governing Document for an Unincorporated Association was adopted in 2001. This document sets out objectives, which are charitable; activities, which include training and performance; membership criteria; structure, which includes Committee structure and mode of operation; and financial provisions. The Musical Director for the past eleven years is Simon Preston; and the Deputy Musical Director and Access Course Director is Chris Girling.
The main musical influence on Samba Galêz is Brazilian Carnival Samba rhythms, but there is input and inspiration from all over the world, including Africa and the Caribbean, which has added variety and liveliness. The music is continually evolving, with experimentation in new arrangements, which has included the recent introduction of singing; Celtic melodies with accompanying instrumentation; and samba style dance. The band attempts to create fusion between different cultural styles, with samba rhythms as the core base. This establishes a focus for artistic development. The two C.D.s released by the band, “Samba Galês” (1996) and “Claro” (2001) reflect this approach. Both C.D.’s were produced with the financial assistance from a limited number of ‘Business Angels’ from within the band.
Samba Galêz became one of the largest community-based Samba bands in the UK. There are three key features to the way in which the band operates:
• Maximising the levels of participation. Currently, it has over 50 listed members from the ages of seven to seventy and from a wide range of cultural backgrounds, living mainly in Cardiff, Newport, the South Wales Valleys and the Vale of Glamorgan. There is a wide initial ability range, from accomplished musicians to those with no previous music skills. Membership of the band is regularly extended, as a result of entrants assimilated from “Access Courses”. Since its establishment, Samba Galêz has performed a cross-cultural function, embracing members from different ethnic backgrounds and from countries such as Brazil, France, Germany and Portugal. Performance has also involved children trained through community music projects, such as that based at Penrhys in the Rhondda.
• A high level of collaboration is sought. This is achieved at major events, such as the Rugby World Cup in 1999, which involves working together with other professional and community based performance groups. Also through musical fusion, examples include performance with Wonderbrass, the poet Mohammed Khalil, and working with dance groups and unusual instruments, such as the uillean pipes and the harp.
• Training and access. The band meet every Saturday for workshops; and at occasional weekend retreats, which focus on musical skills development and interaction. Beginner’s ‘Access Courses’, of eight to ten weeks duration are organised and led by Chris Girling for up to twenty participants per session. These give an introduction to the basic skills and rhythms needed to join the band. Based on past experience, up to half of the Access Course participants progress on to become full performing members of the band every year. In 2002, the Access Courses have been actively marketed for the first time to students at the University of Cardiff, as well as general members of the public in the South Wales area.
Samba Galêz average approximately twenty to thirty advertised performances each year. These range from high profile engagements, such as Glastonbury Festival, Brecon Jazz Festival, WOMAD and, in May 2002, the prestigious Samba Encounter in Brighton. The band has also played at major sporting events, such as Rugby World Cup Final (1999), the Wales v. Brazil soccer international (2000) and the Worthington Cup Final (2001), all played at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff. Samba Galêz also performs at local carnivals and smaller venues and events throughout Wales. It is considered important by all members of the band that connections are maintained with, and support given to, local communities in Wales through performance.

Bata Tan (Newport School of Samba)
BataTan was established by the Maindee Festival Association (Newport) in spring 2001 with local and Arts Council of Wales funding. They are now also part supported by Newport Adult Education. They operate weekly workshops, have a good organisational structure and have given public performances since autumn 2001. Their Musical Director is Chris Girling, who led the original workshop sessions in 2001. The group has now developed the capacity to perform without the leadership of their Musical Director, who nonetheless maintains regular contact.

Samba Tawe.
The origins of Samba Tawe go back to 1992, when two or three of the current band saw Samba Galês performing in Cardiff. This led to cooperation between the two groups, in terms of training and capacity building, with a member of Samba Galês leading paid workshop sessions in Swansea; and with others from Samba Galês providing paid guidance to the subsequent Musical Directors of Samba Tawe.
Samba Tawe was formally established in January 1994 with no external funding support, and under its first Musical Director, Rob Statham. It now operates with a Constitution, is owned by the members, and is run by a Committee elected by the membership. There are three paid operatives, Steve Garland the current Musical Director, Jo McCarthy as coordinator/ administrator and Rosalba Gambatesa as Dance Leader. Currently, the band has a membership of approximately thirty active percussionists. The Access Course workshops now aim to bring in fifteen new members each year.
The recent formation of dance unit of fifteen members has given a new focus towards performance skills, which Samba Tawe intend to develop in the forthcoming months. Occasional all day workshops are likely to be held on Saturdays for all members of Samba Tawe. They also plan their own event in Swansea, a CD and a web site.
Lottery funding was made available to assist in the purchase of instruments in 1999; and to help establish the permanent dance group early in 2002.
Samba Tawe give about ten to twelve public performances each year, generally in South West Wales, at carnivals and parties. The highlights of 2002 were the St Donat's Storytelling Festival, where the audience response and participation was exceptional, despite the rain; and the Tenby Arts Festival, where Samba Tawe are much loved and are set free to cause mayhem in the centre of the town!

Samba Powys and the Repercussion Street Band.
These initiatives were established or supported by Adrian Wiggins during the 1990’s. Adrian left Repercussion Street Band in September of this year, but the band is still performs. It is understood that the Samba Powys no longer exists, but members have become involved in other Samba bands (eg Samba Agogo & Hereford School of Samba) or more commercially based bands (eg Carimba, formed by former members of the Powys and Hereford Schools of Samba).

Appendix 1: Practitioners and contacts for samba activities in Wales
Below is a list of samba group contacts, tutors and practitioners operating in Wales:-