Book the Band

Batala Portsmouth Samba Reggae band are available for community carnivals, processions, music festivals, sporting events, weddings, corporate events and launches. With our loud and infectious music and bright costumes, we are bound to draw a crowd.

Call or email to find out more. Our 2010 calendar is filling up!
Testimonials

I have never heard anything so captivating, it was brilliant, I loved the beat, rhythm, and atmosphere, the volume was fantastic and I was drumming with you to the beat in my mind and still have it in my head!!! - Paul

Just watched most of your performance leading the Carnival Procession at Southsea today - fabulous! Love the music, and the costumes, and *well* impressed with the stamina! You must have been playing for nearly two hours today, with only a 10-minute break in the middle - stunning stuff. - Nigel

All in all it was a fantastic day and many people commented on how amazing you guys are. - James

Batala, are not only brilliant, but so so talented as well. From the first moment they played, there was an incredible high from everyone that was at the event. People started to come from the beach, just to see what was going on... that moment for us at the Alverbank House Hotel, was a moment to relish.

I watched your gig in Eastleigh at the weekend and thought it was awesome – absolutely fantastic. - Alexander

I had many complimentary comments about your performance, everyone seemed to really enjoy Batala. - Hedge End Carnival Committee

Your support at the Southampton Mile was invaluable and greatly appreciated. The atmosphere on the day was amazing and we couldn’t have done it without you! - Sport Relief.

A fantastic session. The band was well received by all and the public impressed. Thankyou. - Winchester District Scout Chairman.

If I had dropped dead and died in Fareham High St infront of you I would have been a happy man.!! - OGV
Batala Portsmouth History

Founded in 2001 by Paulo Garcia, a visiting Brasilian student, this is the bands ninth year of playing gigs all over the south of England. Highlights include The Orixa Project, Notting Hill Carnival, The Festival of the Sea, and Pompey Parades for winning promotion and the FA Cup.

Batala play Bahian style Samba-Reggae which, unlike the ubiquitous Rio style groups, has no percussion instruments and uses only drums.

The band are part of Grupo Batala, a global drumming family that now has 19 bands in 12 countries and has over 700 members worldwide. The drums, costumes, and equipment for all of the bands are made in Salvador de Bahia under a fair trade agreement.
Join the Band

Batala Portsmouth Samba Reggae band are looking for new people to join and learn to drum with us. No experience needed, just enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. Full training will be provided.

We play at many local events, and there are also opportunities to travel to Carnivals around the world. Rehearsals are every Thursday evening from 6:45 to 9:30 at Charter Academy (St. Luke's School), Hyde Park Road, Southsea. Drums and gig costumes are provided. Email or call to find out more.