Batala Liverpool is part of a world-wide network of bands playing Brazilian Samba Reggae rhythms. Founded in Paris by Giba Goncalves in 1997, Batala first crossed the Channel in 2001 when the first UK Batala band was created in Portsmouth. Batala Liverpool, formed in 2005 by Ritchie Tunstall and Stephen Murray, is one of many Batala bands across the globe playing samba-reggae rhythms that were inspired from the music's homeland of Bahia in north-eastern Brazil.

As part of a group of sister bands which can work together as one, we can bring together over 200 drummers from Batala bands across the UK, Europe, Brazil, the Caribbean, USA and Africa.

Costumes and drums are made in Salvador at Instituto Oya and Fabrica Batala under a fair trade agreement. During the Brazil Carnival, members visit the suppliers as well as taking part in social and educational activities with local children experiencing the culture that gave birth to the music we love.

In the north-west we have played at several local community celebrations and sporting events and in Liverpool we have performed live for BBC Children in Need, Granada News and on BBC Radio Merseyside.

Batala Liverpool was the first ever band to play at the Echo Arena and have since returned to support the Rhys Jones fund raising event and the UK Corporate Games. In and around the Albert Docks, we have performed for the MOBO after-party and for the Maritime & Slavery Museums.

Our main performances have included:

• Royal Variety Performance with the SUGABABES, London Coluseum
• Brouhaha International Street Carnival, Liverpool
• Toyota car launch, Exel, London
• Didier Drogba Foundation Charity Ball, London
• World Rally Championship, Cardiff
• England vs Wales, Wembley Stadium
• Manchester United vs Chelsea, Wembley Stadium
• Notting Hill Carnival, London
• The Lord Mayor's Parade, Liverpool
• Liverpool's 800th Birthday
• Brazilica Carnival, Liverpool
• Women's FA Cup Finals, Nottingham
• IRB Rugby Sevens, Twickenham
• Magner's Rugby Union Grand Final, Dublin
• The Santa Dash 5K Run, Liverpool
• Girl Guides 100th anniversary celebration, Chatsworth Gardens
• "O Mundo Numa Cidade" Festival, Portugal
• International Youth Congress, Turkey

What people say

From Christine Chellew, organiser of Liverpool Marathon: "So extremely happy and proud to have been an event partner for the Liverpool marathon. The feedback has been fantastic and Im so delighted the location change for Batala was so empowering for the runners. Delighted it had the impact I had hoped for. Thanks you Batala, you lots are an inspiration!!!"

"You guys were amazing at the marathon yesterday. Your music pulled me along the tunnel and when I came out and saw you all I burst into tears (in a good way)!"

"Thank you so much for your performance."
Deborah xx

"Ran Liverpool marathon yesterday and just wanted to say it was great to hear Batala coming out of the tunnel. My brother David Howells, who was there with his family, said that you never stopped playing and encouraging people. Thanks for your support."