An essential Brazilian music mini-course, explained and felt.
zi-ri-gui-dum
/ˌzi.ˈɾi.ɡwi.ˈdum/
noun
(Brazilian Portuguese, informal)
Example: “The percussion didn’t shout, but its ziriguidum gave the song a heartbeat.”
While a dictionary could define ziriguidum as above, its true essence is in the experience. In Brazil, we grow up immersed in music, feeling rhythms everywhere. Now, you can experience it yourself by joining my mini-course on Brazilian music!
Hi! I’m Danilo Canguçu, and music has always been a big part of my life. I listen to a huge amount of it every day. It helps me focus when I’m working, relax and travel somewhere else in my mind, and stay connected to my mother tongue and Brazilian roots — among many other things.
About ten years ago, I invited a small group of friends to my home in La Macarena, Bogotá, for our first informal music gathering. A few years later, I started a new group in another home in the same neighborhood, continuing these musical evenings. Together, we explored what I consider the essentials for anyone’s first encounter with Brazilian music.
That wish to share Brazilian music in an open and welcoming way has never left me. I am offering this mini-course again and it would be a pleasure to have you with me!
“A lovely opportunity to discover Brazilian music.”
Antonio Ochoa Flórez,
from the first mini-course
“I loved how immersive the mini-course was. From the music to the anecdotes and the different playlists, every session made me feel connected to Brazil and its culture. Those playlists even became some of my favorites.”
Juliana García Mutis,
from the second mini-course
Nereci by Djavan feat. Marizinha
Will she come with today’s tide?
Queen of the sea
I’ve always admired Djavan for his inventive melodies and the way he blends Brazilian grooves with jazz touches. Nereci, from his second album, shows exactly why he won over audiences in the 70s and 80s. The song is irresistibly catchy, driven by a brilliant, flowing bassline that gives it both energy and elegance, making it one of the highlights of that period.
During our ziriguidum meetings, we will play songs, read lyrics with English translations, and sometimes watch music videos or live performances. I also share historical context, artistic background, and little anecdotes along the way, making each session engaging and immersive.
This time, in February 2026, I’m hosting two evening groups: one online (CET, Central European Time) on Mondays, and another one at my home in Berlin (Neukölln), on Tuesdays.
To keep our sessions personal and interactive, each group will have no more than 10 participants.
The mini-course is divided into four one-hour sessions (sometimes a few minutes longer), each dedicated to a single genre. The first three cover samba, bossa nova, and forró, while the final session brings together a variety of rhythms such as MPB, Brazilian rock, pop, and more.
By the end of the course, you’ll have a solid foundation; enough to keep exploring Brazilian music on your own. Each session also comes with a curated playlist to accompany what we discuss.
I want this mini-course to be accessible while valuing the time and energy we spend exploring Brazilian music together. If you sign up early, you can enjoy a discount — a little incentive to secure your spot and make sure we all have a full, lively group from the start.
For those who cannot afford the full price, there is a solidarity price that will always remain the same, so everyone can join and experience the music.
| Format | Solidarity | Early Bird (01.–21.12) | Late Bird (22.12–11.01) | Full Price (12.01–03.02) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| In-Person | €50.00 | €63.75 | €67.50 | €75.00 |
| Online | €40.00 | €55.25 | €58.50 | €65.00 |
| In-Person | |
|---|---|
| Solidarity | €50 |
| Early Bird (01.–21.12) | €63.75 |
| Late Bird (22.12–11.01) | €67.50 |
| Full Price (12.01–03.02) | €75.00 |
| Online | |
|---|---|
| Solidarity | €40 |
| Early Bird (01.–21.12) | €55.25 |
| Late Bird (22.12–11.01) | €58.50 |
| Full Price (12.01–03.02) | €65.00 |
Ziriguidum – An essential Brazilian music mini-course can also be offered for Spanish or Portuguese speakers, or organised in different locations around Berlin, elsewhere in Germany, across Europe, or online, for private or small groups — I’d be happy to create a mini-course that works for you.
If you have any questions, need help reserving your spot, or just want to know more, feel free to reach out. You can contact me at ziriguidum@danilocangucu.net.
Thank you for your interest in this mini-course. I hope to share it with you soon!
Um abraço,
Danilo Canguçu