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All-Women Afro-Brazilian Ensemble Batalá Washington DC Has Rhythm and Purpose

A picture of Batalá Washington DC's drums and sticks

“We like for our audience to be empowered by the beats of the drums and the energy transmitted by the women in the group”

Batalá Washington DC discuss their impact, favorite songs to perform, and how being a part of the DMV creative scene influences the collective’s approach.
Within an industry that is historically dominated by men, all-women Afro-Brazilian percussion ensemble Batalá Washington DC is here to show us what they are made of. Launched in 2007 as the newest branch of the Batalá band and the first-ever in the United States, Batalá Washington, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, brings its powerful, invigorating sounds to the nation’s capital and across the globe as a means of empowering women to be change agents in their respective communities.

Join contributing writer Cynthia Gross as she connects with Marly Perez, board president and musical conductor of Batalá Washington DC, to discuss the collective’s impact over the years,

La Marvela Is a D.C. Miracle: Colombian Women Honor their Heritage in their Adopted Land

La Marvela, Colombian band

D.C. Colombian band La Marvela performs cumbia, a style of music that blends the influences of Indigenous, Spanish, and African culture—all of which melded in Latin America. Learn more about La Marvela’s journey with contributing writer Eric Althoff, including how the band members found each other in a different country and their thoughts on the importance of preserving one’s history.