Tambor

Beth Carvalho's song 'Tambor' is a vibrant celebration of Afro-Brazilian culture and spirituality, deeply rooted in the rhythms of the atabaque drum. The repetitive call to 'vai buscar quem mora longe' (go fetch those who live far away) serves as a metaphor for the drum's power to connect people across distances, both physical and spiritual. The tambor, or drum, is not just an instrument but a vessel of unity, calling out to those who are far away to come together in a shared experience of music and faith.

The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the terreiro, a sacred space in Afro-Brazilian religions like Candomblé and Umbanda, where the drum's beats bring solace and joy. Carvalho describes how the sound of the atabaque lifts her spirits, providing a sense of hope and satisfaction. The terreiro is depicted as a place of communal harmony, where the smiles of children bring peace and the air is filled with the scent of hope. This imagery underscores the drum's role in fostering a sense of community and emotional well-being.

Each beat of the tambor is imbued with spiritual significance, representing different orixás, or deities, in Afro-Brazilian religion. The song acknowledges the diverse beliefs and faiths of its listeners, emphasizing that while each person may have their own path, the ultimate goal is a shared journey towards spiritual fulfillment. The mention of Jesus of Nazareth highlights the syncretism in Brazilian spirituality, where African, Indigenous, and Christian elements coexist and enrich each other. 'Tambor' is thus a powerful ode to the unifying force of music and faith, transcending individual differences to create a collective sense of belonging.