SOBRE NÓS
SAMBAROOTS WAS BORN IN AMSTERDAM WHEN JEROEN, A DUTCH PERCUSSIONIST OBSESSED WITH BRAZIL, MET IGOR, A RIO NATIVE WHO GREW UP WITH SAMBA AS THE SOUNDTRACK OF LIFE.
They shared the same hunger: for a true Roda de Samba. where there's no stage, no separation, no hierarchy. Just a roda where music flows for hours and everyone, without exception, joins the party.
they brought together a vibrant, multicultural collective of the most talented musicians from Brazil and across the globe now calling the Netherlands home.
Together, with our talented musicians, SambaRoots brings the heart of Brazilian samba to Europe. They unite homesick Brazilians and a growing family of samba believers from all walks of life.
Our musicians
Naomi Bright
Naomi Bright is a half-Brazilian singer with a Dutch father and Brazilian mother, raised on the sounds of samba and pagode. After graduating from the Conservatory in 2021, she developed a highly trained and powerful voice through her vocal studies and techniques. Her voice is something that truly needs to be experienced live!
Vocals
JEROen Hensel
More than 20 years ago, Jeroen discovered samba and instantly knew it was his path in life. He dedicated himself to samba percussion and Brazilian culture, learning Portuguese alongside Brazilian musicians in the Netherlands. Over the years he built strong connections within Rio de Janeiro’s samba scene, where he became known as the “Holandês Carioca.” With SambaRoots, he brings that deep authenticity and passion to the stage.
Percussion
Igor Alves Fernandes
Igor was born into a family of sambistas in Rio de Janeiro, where samba was never just music — it was the red thread running through his life, uniting family and maintaining his bond with Brazil wherever he goes. As a percussionist and capoeira teacher, rhythm and vocals have always been deeply ingrained in his soul. a passion he carries into every performance.
Percussion / Vocals
Daniel Montes
Daniel Montes is a musician, producer, arranger, composer and teacher. A student of the legendary Dino 7 Cordas, he has performed on some of the world's most prestigious stages like the Lincoln Center and the Kennedy Center, bringing Brazilian music to more than 20 countries. His artistry has earned him some of the most coveted honours in Brazilian music, including victories at the Prêmio da Música Brasileira and nominations at the MTV Video Music Brasil.
Guitar 7 stringsWagner Vasconcelos
A São Paulo native who carries samba in his heart. His drumming pulses with jazz, blues and Brazilian rhythms. On stage, he transforms every beat into shared energy and joy.
wagnervasconcelos.com
Drums 
Baby do Pan
Born in São Paulo, he began attending samba’s from a very young age. Based in Europe since 2003, There is a reason his nickname is Baby do Pan. He is a highly skilled percussionist who makes playing the pandeiro look effortless.
PandeiroMarcelo
Marcelo grew up in São Paulo in a music-filled household that shaped his early connection to instruments and sound. After years dedicated to a career in science, he rediscovered music after moving to the Netherlands, reconnecting with Brazilian music and his cultural roots.
Guitar 6 stringsSamuel WANG
Samuel Wang is an Amsterdam-based trombonist playing Brazilian music, with a special focus on samba traditions. Coming from a jazz background, he brings a strong improvisational voice to the rhythmic depth of Brazilian music. His work connects these traditions through curiosity, respect, and cultural exchange.
Trombone
Sasa Cavaco
Sasa, from Salvador Bahia, is one of the most sought-after cavaquinistas in the Netherlands, having played with all the major bands. The cavaco is a quintessential instrument in samba — the heartbeat that drives the rhythm forward. Sasa leads it like no other, always with a smile on his face.
Cavaquinho
Rafa
A self-taught multi-instrumentalist and lifelong devotee of Brazilian music and samba de roda culture. his 20-year journey has taken him from street performances across Brazil and Japan to the stage of the Apollo Theater in New York City.
Bass Guitar