Music plays a significant role in Capoeira as it provides the rhythm, style and tempo for the game that is played within the circle. The music is produced with instruments as well as songs.
Capoeira music ranges in tempo beginning with very slow to very fast. The main instruments are called berimbaus and are played in a bateria or row in threes. The berimbaus look like archer bows and use a gourd for the sound. A player would strike the steel string with a stick. The other instruments played in a bateria include two tambourines, a rasp, a double gong and sometimes a conga-like drum.
There are three different types of songs in Capoeira which include a ladainha, or litany, at the beginning, followed by a chula, and finally corridos which are sung during the game. A call and response technique is used for the songs that are sung where players would have to repeat and respond to the lyrics. Some songs are sung in the form of narratives. Those who practice Capoeira, including dance and music playing, are called capoeiristas who sing about a number subjects. These subjects include historical events, famous capoeiristas, life, love and even the actual performance that is occurring while singing. The purpose of these songs is to encourage the players to play to their full potential.
The Capoeira songs, along with the rhythm of the music, command the players who may change their playing style accordingly. This not only makes the game of Capoeira more dynamic and exciting, but the music becomes a crucial factor.