Batala Portsmouth Samba Reggae band are available for community carnivals, processions, music festivals, sporting events, weddings, corporate events and launches. With our loud and infectious music, vibrant dancing, and bright costumes, we are bound to draw a crowd.

"Outstanding drum band down at the harbour this afternoon."

"It was great to see you on Saturday in Folkestone, you were fantastic as you always are. The drums really give the children a good rhythm to walk and jig along the road to and local people love the carnival." - Lucinda

"I saw you yesterday at the Folkestone Charivari and was blown away. Amazing drumming, fantastic rhythms, tremendous verve and an all-round great vibe - I defy anyone to stand still." - Bob

"May I just congratulate the Batala Band who performed on The Leas at Folkestone today. We thought they were absolutely brilliant. Please come to Folkestone again!" - Sarah

"I have never heard anything so captivating, it was brilliant, I loved the beat, rhythm, and atmosphere, the volume was fantastic and I was drumming with you to the beat in my mind and still have it in my head!!!" - Paul

"Just watched most of your performance leading the Carnival Procession at Southsea today - fabulous! Love the music, and the costumes, and *well* impressed with the stamina! You must have been playing for nearly two hours today, with only a 10-minute break in the middle - stunning stuff." - Nigel

"All in all it was a fantastic day and many people commented on how amazing you guys are." - James

"Batala, are not only brilliant, but so so talented as well. From the first moment they played, there was an incredible high from everyone that was at the event. People started to come from the beach, just to see what was going on... that moment for us at the Alverbank House Hotel, was a moment to relish."

"I watched your gig in Eastleigh at the weekend and thought it was awesome– absolutely fantastic." - Alexander

"I had many complimentary comments about your performance, everyone seemed to really enjoy Batala." - Hedge End Carnival Committee

"Your support at the Southampton Mile was invaluable and greatly appreciated. The atmosphere on the day was amazing and we couldn’t have done it without you!" - Sport Relief.

"A fantastic session. The band was well received by all and the public impressed. Thankyou." - Winchester District Scout Chairman.

Founded in 2001 by Paulo Garcia, a visiting Brasilian student, this is the bands tenth year of playing gigs all over the south of England. Highlights include Notting Hill Carnival, The International Festival of the Sea, and Pompey Parades for winning promotion and the FA Cup.

Batala play Bahian style Samba-Reggae which, unlike the ubiquitous Rio style groups, has no percussion instruments and uses only drums.

Batala Portsmouth Samba Reggae band are looking for new people to join and learn to drum with us. No experience needed, just enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. Full training will be provided. We run weekly beginners sessions and so send us a message and we will send you the details so you can come along and have a try.