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Revibed Reviews: Bamdamel's 'Ladeira Do Pelô'
Revibed Editorial Team
Music Review
Formed in 1984, at a time when Axé was expanding beyond local Carnaval blocs into national consciousness, Bamdamel began as a carnival cluster that converted into a full band, quickly becoming one of the early flag-bearers of Bahian music. Their second hit, ‘Ladeira do Pelô’, is a sonic nod to place, history and cultural pride in Brazil’s popular samba-reggae rhythms.
Anchored in the blending of Afro-Brazilian percussion and carnival energy, the track invites the listener into a ritual: the climb of the steep, narrow lanes of the old quarter of Pelourinho, the street party’s vibrant tradition, the embrace of Salvador’s historic centre–a site of deep cultural memory:
“E… eu… vou, na sexta-feira eu vou / Vou subindo a Ladeira do Pelô” (“And I… I go, on Friday I go / I go climbing the Slope of Pelourinho”)
The song’s contagious energy helped cement the band’s reputation. What stands out in this piece is the call-and-response vocal motifs, the kinetic chanted “Olodum… Salvador minha Bahia capital”, and the interplay of drums, guitars and brass that echo Carnival’s street-sound. Easy to dance to and instantly memorable, the rhythm draws you in amid colour and community.
A vibrant and culturally-rich anthem, full of joy and Brazilian pulse!
Anchored in the blending of Afro-Brazilian percussion and carnival energy, the track invites the listener into a ritual: the climb of the steep, narrow lanes of the old quarter of Pelourinho, the street party’s vibrant tradition, the embrace of Salvador’s historic centre–a site of deep cultural memory:
“E… eu… vou, na sexta-feira eu vou / Vou subindo a Ladeira do Pelô” (“And I… I go, on Friday I go / I go climbing the Slope of Pelourinho”)
The song’s contagious energy helped cement the band’s reputation. What stands out in this piece is the call-and-response vocal motifs, the kinetic chanted “Olodum… Salvador minha Bahia capital”, and the interplay of drums, guitars and brass that echo Carnival’s street-sound. Easy to dance to and instantly memorable, the rhythm draws you in amid colour and community.
A vibrant and culturally-rich anthem, full of joy and Brazilian pulse!
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