Oya Batucada

Legendary Birmingham Samba school led by mestre John Richards. Established 1989.

Beginners workshop opening soon open to all levels of ability.

OYA batucada have been playing carnivals, clubs, corporate occasions, private parties and weddings in Birmingham and beyond for over ten years.
In previous years you may have caught us at the hugely succesful "Viva Brazil" nights or during our slamming rhythmic feasts at the ABS Latin American Festivals in Centenary Square, the Mailbox and the Arcadian.
SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF XANGO
We have just taken our performances to a new level with the addition of a four piece horn section: flute, trumpet, tenor sax and trombone. We are proud to welcome Lisa, Alvin, Dee and Errol to the world of Oya..
Meanwhile... the bateria are now joined by brasiliera vocalist Monica Guerra whose sweet earthy style combines brilliantly with our bass heavy beats

About ‘Mestre’John Richards.

John has been playing Samba for 22 years, originally with Midlands School of Samba in 1988, then with Birmingham School of Samba;" Xango" and finally leading his own bloco, Oya batucada in 1997.

He regularly runs beginner’s and advanced workshops with a wide variety of school and community groups, and is an accomplished performer with his own and other bands.

He has experienced and survived two Brazilian carnival “study tours” in Salvador de Bahia where he played carnival with local band “Kizumba” and shot unique video footage of his experiences.

John currently co-hosts the samba club nights “Viva Brazil !" at the Hare and Hounds, Kings Heath, with Oya batucada.