Cultural diversity and identity in Samba dance of the Bajju people of Southern Kaduna and Brazil

Abstract

Culture encompasses a rich tapestry of human creativity, continuously adapting to and modifying its environment. As a prominent cultural expression, it intricately shapes and mirrors cultural identity through its unique body movements, styles, and patterns, often symbolising the diversity and interaction of distinct cultural influences. This study examines cultural fusion through the lens of Samba dance, comparing its manifestations among the Bajju people of Southern Kaduna, Nigeria, and Brazil. Despite the absence of direct ethnographic connections, these two geographically and culturally distinct groups exhibit notable similarities in their dance traditions' nomenclature and movement forms. This study investigates how cultural diversity fosters identity, emphasising Samba as an embodiment of cross-cultural exchange and adaptation. The research traces the historical and cultural intersections of Bajju and Brazilian Samba dances using interviews, participatory observation, and ethnographic studies. Grounded in Cultural Studies Theory and the Theory of Cultural Relativism, the analysis highlights the interplay of cultural dominance and resistance while situating these dance traditions within their unique socio-historical contexts. The findings illuminate the dances' shared symbolic significance and rhythmic patterns, reflecting broader narratives of migration, cultural diffusion, and identity formation. While Brazilian Samba evolved as a national symbol shaped by the African diaspora's influence, Bajju Samba, rooted in local traditions, underscores the impact of cultural exchange within African communities. This comparative analysis enriches the understanding of how body movement articulates identity, history, and resilience. By exploring the dynamic interplay between preservation and innovation, this study emphasises the enduring power of dance to transcend geographic boundaries and assert cultural identity amidst evolving socio-historical realities.