Angola Encontro

Capoeira Encontro in Christchurch: A Journey of Rhythm, Tradition, and Community

This July, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the latest Capoeira Encontro in Christchurch. The event was a vibrant tapestry of culture and camaraderie, drawing capoeiristas from all over New Zealand and beyond. Representatives from Mandinga Aotearoa, Abada, Ecamar, Urban Ritual, Semente Jogo de Angola, Resistencia, Angoleiros do Interior, and other groups gathered to celebrate, learn, and share their love for this unique martial art.

The Spirit of the Roda

One of the most striking aspects of the event was the energy and respect within the roda. The roda moved like the sea, with each game lasting between 5 to 8 minutes, though some could be as brief as 15-20 seconds, especially towards the end.
The jogo only ends when the Gunga, the lead berimbau, signals for it. If someone tries to finish before the Gunga signals, they are promptly put back into play, even if they are reluctant. (This is why knowing some global Angola rules is essential before participating in events.)

The importance of the bateria was emphasized throughout the event. It is considered sacred as well as in other styles, although depending on the group, it can be very strict, and not everyone can join and play an instrument.
Typically, one must be called out and offered to play by one of the Berimbau holders and hosts of the roda. This tradition ensures that the rhythm and purpose of the bateria are maintained, respecting each group's different structures and traditions.
CM George said that only a Mestre could break some rules by singing while playing pandeiro, reco-reco, or atabaque.

Learning from others

The event was a fantastic learning experience. I had the chance to meet Mestre Brabo (Aotearoa Mandinga), CM George (Ecamar), CM Jamaicano (UR), and other highly experienced Capoeiristas such as Bobby (Semente Jogo de Angola) and received valuable insights into the traditions and etiquette of Capoeira. One key takeaway was the role of the berimbau holders in leading songs. The Gunga sang 95% of the songs, with the secondary participation of the Medio and occasionally the viola leading. Songs were carefully chosen to match the game, emphasizing their significance and meaning, hence the reason for not letting anybody play the berimbaus unless the leaders knew the person previously. This helped, according to CM George, to maintain the structure of the Bateria and sacred rules from the Ecamar group.

Chamada: a call-and-response movement that requires a deep understanding and respect for its execution. Beginners were advised only to answer the chamada until they were confident in their abilities. Mestre Brabo states, “You can’t teach Chamada; you can only learn it by doing it and practising it with highly experienced Capoeiristas”. This respect for tradition extended to the rules around grabbing an instrument and participating in the bateria. Each aspect of the game and its music was deeply rooted in tradition and respect, not necessarily to the Angola style but to some specific group traditions.

Highlights and Takeaways

Fundamental Rules and Traditions:

1. Berimbau Leadership: Only Berimbau holders can lead songs, with the Gunga taking the primary role.

2. Game Duration: Each game lasts about 5 to 8 minutes, though some can be shorter.

3. End of Jogo: The game only ends when the Gunga calls for it.

4. Instrument Etiquette: Instruments can only be offered and grabbed at the end of a jogo, not during,

5. Sacred Bateria: Joining the bateria is by invitation only, emphasizing its sacred nature.

6. Respect for Chamada: Beginners should only respond to a chamada, not initiate it, until they fully understand its execution.

7. Cultural Respect: Cultural appropriation is not an issue in Capoeira as long as there is genuine respect, passion, and dedication to the art.

Personal Experiences

- Community and Camaraderie: The event was a melting pot of styles and traditions, yet there was a strong sense of unity and mutual respect.

- Learning and Growth: Each interaction, whether in the roda or casual conversations, was an opportunity to learn and grow as a capoeirista.

Important:
The insights I gained at the event are not strictly Angola's universal rules and traditions but those specific to Capoeira Ecamar and Semente Jogo de Angola.

Final Thoughts:

The Capoeira Encontro in Christchurch was more than just an event; it celebrated tradition, respect, and community. The lessons learned and the connections made will stay with me, enriching my journey in Capoeira. This experience underscored the importance of understanding and respecting the deep-rooted traditions of this beautiful martial art, ensuring that it continues to thrive and inspire future generations.

I look forward to the next encontro and am eager to learn more and contribute to the vibrant Capoeira community.

Axé!

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