A Liverpool music community group prides itself on bringing together “the lost and the lonely”.
Founded in 2015, Batala Mersey has over 60 members and features a diverse line-up of dynamic and passionate musicians from over Merseyside. The group has performed worldwide but you might have spotted their distinctive red, white and black costumes at Light Night, Pride in Liverpool, Africa Oye or Notting Hill Carnival.
Batala, an international samba reggae music project based in Salvador, Brazil, offers band members an educational program based on the compositions of its creator, Giba Gonçalves. The initiative, which originated in Paris in 1997, celebrates over 46 groups in 17 countries and Liverpool’s group shows no signs of slowing down.
READ MORE: Woman went to GP with back pain before being told 'nothing could be done'
READ MORE: Met Office issue 'main concern' warning over weekend weather
Arabel Queiroz, from the Amazon but living in Toxteth, told the ECHO the “wholesome activity” was “much more than a hobby” to her, claiming it was “life-changing”. She said: “The first time I saw the band I had to congratulate them because it was the first time I heard Brazillian music over here in the UK. It’s really beautiful to see a global project with Brazillian culture grow so much here in Liverpool.
“To be able to share that with other people and how the experience makes you feel is very special. It fulfills a lot of things for me, the beat of drumming involves a lot of physical activity and it has given me so many networking opportunities.”
Batala’s core mission is to create bonds through the spirit and spectacle of samba drumming, dance and carnival. Rhythms are played out on four different types of drum: the heavy bass line is the heartbeat behind the melodic Dobra, the rapid-fire Repinique and the pulsing waves of the Caixia.
Arabel, who works for a research library, added: “It is so touching to see how much passion others have in the group. It’s been really important for me to see my friends who are from here love the music as much as I do. The music takes you somewhere else and although I was born in Brazil, I feel Liverpool is my home now because of this."
Arabel’s fellow band member Jude Agis has been involved with drumming for around a decade now. The Londoner explained it is a great focus for someone with ADHD and is as hyperactive as she is.
The former teacher, who lives in South Liverpool, told the ECHO: “When I joined Batala, sadly I had just lost a close friend and I felt a sense of great loss and grief because she died a sudden adult death. So at the time, it gave me a new-found sense of community for someone who wasn’t born in Liverpool.
“One of my absolute loves is that we try and be as authentic as possible with our music. The band has allowed me to visit Brazil and it has become addictive. I wanted to feel the music and to get a sense of where the roots of the music come from, how it is played and how it's so mesmerising. Sometimes when music comes to Europe, Europeans tend to take over and make it their own but we should always keep a hand and an eye on where it originated from."
Jude said what is so magic about the community is that it transcends beyond the city. She recalls being in an airport once, surrounded by people she had never met, but when they called a song in Batala, everyone immediately joined in and played the music.
The Anthony Walker Foundation anti-racist trainer said: “I always say Batala brings together the loss and the lonely. Whenever you find something where everyone has a shared passion – no matter what it is – it creates a sense of community. Even the groups that compete amongst themselves, there is still a community there.
“When I have my closest friends on the two sides of me playing and were getting into the vibe, there is just nothing better – knowing your band is making a beautiful, unified noise that the audience loves.”
Batala Mersey has become well-known for its annual festive fundraiser in Liverpool ONE. Previously it has benefited local organisations such as The Whitechapel Centre and Alder Hey Children’s Charity, however, this year the funds will go towards YPAS’s Hats and Gloves campaign.
YPAS CEO, Monique Collier told the ECHO: “We witness firsthand the financial impact of the cost-of-living crisis on families, which inevitably increases during the winter months. The donations raised during this drumming event will play a crucial role in supporting our campaign, which aims to provide hats and gloves to children, young people, and parents in need, helping them stay warm during the festive season.”
The event is taking place on Sunday, December 10 between 1:30 pm – 3 pm
Sign up for the ECHO’s LGBTQIA+ newsletter
WIN the Ultimate Playset bundle this Christmas with Hot Wheels & Barbie