Task 2: be able to conduct research in preparation for an interview (television)

For my TV interview I plan to interview a guy called Alex Mann. Alex is the musical director for a local samba band called Bloco Fogo. The aim for this interview is to find out information about the band that can be filmed and put in a documentary about samba. Before I conduct this interview I aim to research Alex’s involvement in the band and to gain some background information about what is samba. The purpose of my research is to identify key facts about samba and the local samba band Bloco Fogo for the educational/ entertainment factual program. Through my research I hope to identify any potential areas that may be of interest that I can highlight in my interview with Alex. I also wanted to identify any relevant matters in the background of the interviewee Alex Mann that could be linked into the factual documentary.

My Research: About the topic – Samba.

What is samba?

Samba is a Brazilian dance and musical genre originating in African roots. It is recognized around the world as a symbol of Brazil and the Brazilian Carnival. Considered one of the most popular Brazilian cultural expressions, the samba has become an icon of Brazilian national identity.

History behind samba?

Samba is one of the most authentic Brazilian features. If you talk about samba, you talk about Brazil. Like Brazil itself, samba is the result of the interaction of many different influences and mixtures. The main samba roots were initially the African rhythms BATUQUE and LUNDU, played mainly with drums and clapping the hands. Later, other elements from European rhythms were incorporated through the use of new instruments like the clarinet, flute and guitar.

My research: About the band Bloco Fogo

Bloco Fogo plays Brazilian, Cuban and African rhythms at a wide variety of events across the United Kingdom.Their drummers combine their amazing energy and visual impact to create a riot of colour, movement and infectious rhythms. They play for events of any size - from a minimum of 6 players up to a massive 75 drummers for special events. This makes them one of the largest and most versatile blocos (drumming groups) in the UK. Their musical directors also lead samba drumming workshops for schools and businesses across the south and help them to set up their own drumming groups. Since forming in Tunbridge Wells in 2001, the band has grown and developed both musically and in size. In 2006 they established a second Bloco Fogo in Maidstone, Kent which now has almost 40 members. Bloco Fogo has also established strong links with south east arts companies including Same Sky, Zap Arts and Strange Cargo as well collaborating with the international company Transe Express. There are also Facebook and MySpace pages maintained by members as well as additional videos on YouTube.

My Research: About the interviewee – Alex Mann

 

About Me

I am a latin percussionist who plays congas,bongo's (afro-brazillian &afro-cuban),hand percussion and all samba bateria instruments (surdo,cuica,repinque,tamborim).I have been performing for 15 years in clubs,wedding,functions in a variety of groups

disco funk function group www.knufsaid.co.uk 2000-present

acid jazz group the harry monk all starts1999-2005

Musical director of community samba group www.blocofogo.com

2000-present

depping conga player in brighton for cumbia group "poolitto boogaloo" summer 2010

depping conga player for forro,cumbia,baio group " los piratas"

summer 2010

depping conga player with various soul funk function groups 2010

Employment History

2009 - 2011, Musical Director

Same Sky

Musical director for the burning the clocks(wwwburningtheclocks.co.uk) event on the 21st of December each year.

Involving liaison with 5 samba groups for the event and parade and scoring a original mass samba finale for over 100 percussionists.

2007 - 2011, Musician (session)

undefined

Depping for club Percussionist at Pangae nighclub playing congas and bongos along with dj's.

2000 - 2011, Musical Director

Bloco Fogo

Musical director of Community Samba group wwwblocofogo.com ongoing. Job includes booking the band for events,teaching at weekly rehearsals,leading drumming workshops for the education and corporate sector,designing the groups distinctive costume and scoring 14 original samba arrangements drawing from afro Cuban and afro Brazilian drumming traditions.

This is a ongoing job that from a small group of 20 drummers has now grow to over 75 drummers performing at over 50 events a year. see www.blocofogo.com for more info

2011, Musician (session)

knufsaid

Percussionist with disco funk function group from Kent playing covers instruments played hand percussion conga and bongo.

Affiliations

I run my own company providing drumming and dance workshops to the education and corporate sectors see under1sun.org for more info