Bandeira rhythms from the island of Fogo

The unique Bandeira rhythms from the island of Fogo deserve an own chapter in the section about Capeverdean Rhythms. There are similarities with the San Jom rhythm, as they share the same roots. However, the Bandeira rhythms are far more diverse. 

It is important to note that in the bandeira tradition the rhythms are played exclusively on the traditional drums. However, the examples shown in this section go much further. The videos show my personal adaptation of these rhythms on other instruments. These are only suggestions, how to interpret the bandeira rhythms with the drumset and percussion. Each arrangement starts with the traditional rhythm first, other instruments are introduced one by one.

Bandeira rhythms with Valdomiro

Valdomiro Dias, "primeiro tamboreiro da ilha do Fogo"

I owe a great deal to this man, Valdomiro Dias, the master drummer of the island of Fogo. We first met in 2008. In the following years, he initiated me into the traditional drumming art of the Bandeira rhythms, and I was a member of his ensemble in 2009, certainly the first European ever.

Valdomiro, born in 1937, was a student of the drumming legend “Tchitchite” and has been a central figure at the “Festas da Bandeira” since he was 19 years old.

He is still in good shape and we meet several times a year for drumming sessions. A wonderful person and a true guardian of the tradition.

Toque de Pilon

Click here to get to the “Toque de Pilon” Video on YouTube

PDF Toque de Pilon

Click here to download “Toque de Pilon” pdf

Brial dos Cavaleiros

Click here to get to the “Brial dos Cavaleiros” Video on YouTube

PDF Brial dos Cavaleiros

Click here to download “Brial dos Cavaleiros” pdf

Brial do Preto

Click here to get to the “Brial do Preto” Video on YouTube

PDF Brial do Preto

Click here to download “Brial do Preto” pdf

Toque de Cabeça Monte

Click here to get to the “Toque de Cabeca Monte” Video on YouTube

PDF Toque de Cabeça Monte

Click here to download “Toque de Cabeca Monte” pdf

Nha Damaxa

Click here to get to the “Nha Damaxa” Video on YouTube

PDF Nha Damaxa

Click here to download “Nha Damaxo” pdf