Music is integral to Capoeira. It sets the tempo and style of game that is to be played within the "roda."  The music of Capoeira sets the rhythm, style of play, and energy of the game and is formed by instruments and singing. Rhythms, or "toques", are controlled by a traditional instrument called the berimbau and differ from very slow to very fast, depending on the style of the roda.

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The roda is a circle formed by capoeiristas and capoeira musical instruments, where every participant sings the typical songs and claps their hands following the music. Two capoeiristas enter the roda and play the game according to the style required by the musical rhythm.

 

The game finishes when one of the musicians holding the berimbau determine it, when one of the capoeiristas decide to leave or call the end of the game. or when another capoeirista interrupts the game to start playing, either with one of the current players or with another capoeirista.

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Capoeira instruments typically form a row called bateria and typically consist of  three or more berimbaus, two pandeiros, three atabaques, one agogô and one ganzá, but this format may vary depending on the capoeira group's traditions or the roda style.

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There are four basic kinds of songs in capoeira, the Ladaínha, Chula, Corrido and Quadra.  Many of the songs are sung in a call and response format while others are in the form of a narrative. Capoeiristas sing about a wide variety of subjects. Some songs are about history or stories of famous capoeiristas. Other songs attempt to inspire players to play better. Some songs are about what is going on within the roda. Sometimes the songs are about life or love lost. Others have lighthearted and playful lyrics.

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