2024 is the London School of Samba’s 40th Birthday Anniversary!
London School of Samba was founded in 1984, the first samba school in the UK, and has been teaching and performing continuously for four decades, bringing samba to new generations whilst honouring its Brazilian roots!
2024 Notting Hill Carnival Theme: Back to the roots
We are looking forward to an amazing year of samba for the LSS community. The theme for our 40th Anniversary 2024 Notting Hill Carnival parade is “De Volta às Origens” (Back to the Roots).
Developed by Dani Souza Bittar, this recognises and celebrates the origins of Samba in the cultural diaspora of Africa to Brazil.
Our Birthday Party at Clapham Grand
Our recent celebration at Clapham Grand was a fantastic night filled with joy and vibrant energy as we marked the 40th anniversary of the London School of Samba. The event featured lively performances from our talented Samba Band and our stunning passistas, who dazzled everyone with their colourful costumes and captivating dance moves. It was heartwarming to see members of all ages from our community come together to celebrate our shared passion for samba and Brazilian culture. A huge thank you to all who joined us for this special occasion!
T-Shirt Competition Winners: Grace & Frankie
After a vote by school members across a number of beautiful entries, this design by Grace and Frankie was selected as the winner for the 40th Anniversary shirt.
Their inspiration started with research on Oxum – the Yoruba supreme being – the beautiful goddess, then also Tia Chiata – the mother of samba in mid-nineteenth century Brazil. Combining these along with Oxossi (keeper of the forest), they imagined a beautiful samba-dancing woman who encompassed all these beings and was somehow linked with the tree whose roots were nourished from the ground and WHO’s branches entwined with the colours of all who came after- representing the entwining cultures growing the strong tree of samba. Out of the branches grow leaves that are also hands of many colours and they are shaking down fruits that are the Bateria – chocalhos, drums etc: the rhythm and soul of samba.
It is all a dynamic Earth to sky and Earth again to represent the 40 years that the LSS has existed as the tree but with deeper roots going back in time and the constant growing and shedding and fitting into the future.
Pagode on a Ship
Pagode means a celebration of friends, food, and of course music and dance. The School held this Pagode on a ship in the heart of Canary Wharf. Attendees are encouraged to try instruments that are quieter then the usual Samba ones. They might include a tan-tan, repique de mão, bajo. The word “pagode” translates to “fun” or “merrymaking” in Portuguese. Visit our events section to see where the Bateria and the School's dancers will be appearing.
London School of Samba at the 2024 London Marathon
The iconic London Marathon is not just a test of endurance for the runners, but also a celebration of the city’s vibrant culture and spirit. The London School of Samba has been a staple of entertainment at the London Marathon and this year was no different. The school provided hours of Samba music and experienced Samba dancers to entertain and support the participants and spectators at the marathon.
The School’s Bateria, started playing Samba for the wheel chair participants in the morning and playing through until late afternoon.
“These guys are absolutely amazing. I saw them playing in Canary Wharf when I was running the London Marathon. They were a highlight of the day and raised my spirits during a tough part of my run. I definitely recommend them!” – Google Review
Return to Covent Garden
The London School of Samba performed at Covent Garden London in April, 40 years after their first performance there. Throughout the year, the Bateria and dancers will be appearing at many more events. Below you can watch the School at their 40th Anniversary Quadra night celebration.
London New Years Day Parade
Especially fitting on our 40th birthday, LSS was the official Samba band for LNYDP 2024.
We have enjoyed parading at LNYDP for many years, and it is always a great way to see in the New Year, meet other acts, and show our dancing and drumming to a global audience.
Congratulations to all our dancers, bateria and stewards who participated in our London New Year’s Day parade on Monday 1 January – what a wonderful start to our 40th Anniversary year!
You can see some of the coverage on our Instagram and Facebook channels, and we’re on the LNYDP YouTube (1:48:33 – 1:49:27) but note the sound quality and commentary isn’t great (unless it’s a tribute to Elizabeth Banks in ‘Pitch Perfect’), as well as the preview film.
