.png/:/cr=t:0%25,l:0.03%25,w:99.94%25,h:100%25/rs=w:1209,h:605,cg:true)
we have arrived!
About Tia Ciata
Tia Ciata’s Band is a vibrant and passionate group of musicians dedicated to celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Brazil through music. We draw our inspiration from the legendary Tia Ciata, a prominent figure in the history of Brazilian music who brought people together through the power of rhythm and melody.
Our Mission
Our mission is to keep the spirit of Tia Ciata alive by sharing the beautiful sounds of Brazil with our community. Through our music, we aim to bridge cultures, create harmony, and inspire joy among all who listen.
Get Involved
We welcome musicians and anyone passionate about Brazilian culture to join our musical family. Whether you're a seasoned artist or a beginner, there's a place for you in our band. Let's make music and memories together!
meet the members
Renato - Music Director
Vivian - Vocals and Acoustic guitar
Vivian - Vocals and Acoustic guitar
I’m Renato, from Santo Andre, São Paulo, a percussionist and looking into learning Cavaco now.
I’ve been playing samba since I was 14, but my passion for music started a long time before that; I always liked the atmosphere of a Roda de Samba and singing in the shower, where my singing should stay…
My first group was with my neighbour. We w
I’m Renato, from Santo Andre, São Paulo, a percussionist and looking into learning Cavaco now.
I’ve been playing samba since I was 14, but my passion for music started a long time before that; I always liked the atmosphere of a Roda de Samba and singing in the shower, where my singing should stay…
My first group was with my neighbour. We went to a school fair, and the musicians on the day didn’t show up, so we got the instruments without knowing anything. People enjoyed the vibe, so it was when we decided to start the band. After that, we got popular very quickly, and numerous bookings for bars, shows, and jams started to come in fast and thick! Once you get into it you never want to stop, and never will.
Now we have this new project that I’m glad to be part of, creating new relationships and ultimately bringing happiness and joy to the public, which is the best samba has to offer!
Vivian - Vocals and Acoustic guitar
Vivian - Vocals and Acoustic guitar
Vivian - Vocals and Acoustic guitar
My passion for playing Brazilian samba music has largely been inspired by my mother, who was born in Rio de Janeiro. When I was a child, I’d watch my mother dance Samba in our living room to her Tom Jobim and Molejo CDs. Later, when I turned 17, she came home with a guitar and booked in lessons for me to learn how to play. I went on to
My passion for playing Brazilian samba music has largely been inspired by my mother, who was born in Rio de Janeiro. When I was a child, I’d watch my mother dance Samba in our living room to her Tom Jobim and Molejo CDs. Later, when I turned 17, she came home with a guitar and booked in lessons for me to learn how to play. I went on to study classical guitar at college in NJ, USA where I focused on playing classical guitar pieces by the famous Brazilian composer Heitor Villa-Lobos. I also learned how to play and sing Bossa Nova songs which soon became my preferred genre to play on guitar. Today I live in Nottingham with my husband, and in my spare time I do what I have always wanted to; play and sing samba songs that overwhelm my heart with joy.
Simone - Creative Director
Simone - Creative Director
Simone - Creative Director
Coming soon...
Alder - Percussion
Simone - Creative Director
Simone - Creative Director
Coming soon...
who was Tia Ciata?
Hilária Batista de Almeida (Tia Ciata)
Tia Ciata (Aunt Ciata), born Hilária Batista de Almeida (1854–1924) was a Brazilian cook, mãe-de-santo of Candomblé, and an influential figure in the development of samba. She was born in Santo Amaro, Bahia and at the age of 22, she moved to the city of Rio de Janeiro in the exodus that became known as the Bahian diaspora. She lived in an area which became known as "Pequena África", or Little Africa.
Tia Ciata was one of the “aunts” responsible for the sedimentation of samba in Rio de Janeiro (the so-called “samba carioca”). Ciata made her life a constant work and became - with other aunts from Bahia - one of the pioneers of the tradition of “quituteiras” [Black women food street sellers] in Rio de Janeiro, with their ornate clothes, necklaces, and bracelets, developing an activity surrounded by strong religious influences. Bahian aunts Ciata, Bebiana, Monica, Carmen, Perciliana and Amélia - among others - stood out in different kinds of organisations and influenced the community. The aunts transformed their houses around Praça Onze into points of reference, community life and preservation of the Afro-Brazilian traditions.
Tia Ciata became a sort of first lady of the black communities of Little Africa AND one of the main promoters of samba after opening the doors of her home to meetings of pioneering samba musicians, composers, and dancers when the practice was still prohibited by law. Her residence may be one of the birthplaces of the genre. The first samba recording, Pelo Telefone, a composition by Donga (Ernesto Joaquim Maria dos Santos) and Mauro de Almeida, was composed in her residence. Police persecuted Black musicians, capoeira fighters and practitioners of Afro-Brazilian religions despite the individual liberties promised by the 1891 constitution. Ciata grew smart at evading repression. A true samba party would necessarily require the presence of drums. So Ciata would wisely place the samba musicians in the backyards, supposedly the most hidden and safest part of the house. In the entrance hall, the house's most visible and audible space, brass and string instrumentalists would be playing ‘choro’ music – considered more erudite. When the police came, Ciata would say she was hosting a choro gathering, and things would normally be fine for the rest of the night. At “partido-alto” samba parties, her skills as “partideira” were highlighted, and her grandson Bucy Moreira learned from her the secret of “miudinho”, a dancing style in which the feet move very close to each other, in a way that dexterity and elegance are required.
Ciata's parties gained legitimacy thanks to a chance encounter with the Brazilian President Venceslau Brás (1914-1918). As a priestess of the Afro-Brazilian religion of Candomblé, she was highly respected for her spiritual wisdom. When the president sought a cure for a long-term leg infection no doctor could treat, an adviser recommended Ciata's herbal treatments. Cured by Ciata the President expressed his gratitude for allowing the parties at Tia Ciata's house.
Tia Ciata was honoured annually at the Rio Carnival until she died in Rio de Janeiro in 1924.
You can find more information about Tia Ciata on: