A Hora É Essa
Carolina Soares
Embracing the Moment: The Call of Capoeira
Carolina Soares' song "A Hora É Essa" is a vibrant celebration of capoeira, a Brazilian martial art that combines elements of dance, acrobatics, and music. The repetitive and rhythmic lyrics emphasize the immediacy and urgency of the moment, encapsulated in the phrase "A hora é essa," which translates to "The time is now." This phrase serves as a call to action, urging participants to engage fully in the present moment, a core principle in the practice of capoeira.
The berimbau, a traditional single-string percussion instrument, plays a central role in the song and in capoeira itself. The lyrics repeatedly mention the berimbau playing, signaling the start of the capoeira game. The berimbau's sound is not just a musical cue but a spiritual and cultural signal that connects the players to the rich history and traditions of capoeira. When Soares sings, "Berimbau tocou eu vou jogar," she is expressing her readiness to participate, to engage in the dance-fight, and to honor the cultural heritage that the berimbau represents.
Carolina Soares, known for her deep connection to Brazilian cultural expressions, uses this song to highlight the importance of seizing the moment and immersing oneself in the cultural practices that define one's identity. The repetitive nature of the lyrics mirrors the cyclical and continuous nature of capoeira, where each moment is an opportunity to engage, learn, and grow. Through "A Hora É Essa," Soares invites listeners to appreciate the immediacy of the present and the cultural richness of capoeira, encouraging a deeper connection to one's roots and traditions.