Formed by a nucleus of 12 musicians in January 1984, the London School of Samba was the first Samba School in the UK. Since we began drum & dance workshops in April 1984, we have taught and introduced Samba to thousands of people throughout the UK and Europe, many of whom were later inspired to form their own Samba groups. Of the 300 or so Samba groups in the UK today, many trace their roots back to us. As the first Samba School to be formed in the UK, we are proud to be the Godparent of Samba in the UK.

 

Our colours of green & white were given to us by one of the School's founders and first Mestre de Bateria, João Bosco de Oliveira. This was in honour of what we considered to be the greatest Samba School in Rio - our patrons Mocidade Independente de Padre Miquel, and our first Carnival parade in Notting Hill was in their honour. Mocidade were guests of honour of the LSS and played with them at the 3rd European Samba Encontro in London in 1989.

Of the drummers who were founding or early members of our School a remarkable number were amongst the best Samba, Salsa or Jazz musicians in this country at the time - notably João Bosco de Oliveira, Robin Jones (who went on to form King Salsa), Roberta Pla (who formed Valdez, the first Salsa band in London), Alan Hayman, Gerry Hunt, Carlos & Pato Fuentes, Dave Patman, Liliana Chachian, German Santana, Hamish Orr, Dawson Miller and Dave Bitelli amongst others.

The LSS played its first official gig at Covent Garden Piazza, London on April 1st 1984. In August 1984, we were the first Samba School to play at the Notting Hill Carnival - in fact we introduced Brazilian Carnival to Notting Hill. Since then, we have achieved the best results so far for any non-Caribbean band in the Notting Hill Carnival - having come 3rd in 1990 and 2nd in 2001. For the last five years, we are have been one of the top ten of all the parading bands in the Notting Hill Carnival.

Some of our other major performances over the last 20 years include concerts throughout the UK at WOMAD, Cardiff Festival, Luton Carnival, Liverpool Carnival, Edinburgh Festival, Wembley Stadium, Millenium Dome, Belfast Festival and the Royal Albert Hall. We have played all over Europe since 1984, and continue to do so. We are now one of the most respected Samba Schools in Europe. The LSS made it's first visit into Europe when Pato Fuentes took the Bateria to play at the 1st Samba Encontro in Uppsala in 1986. We now perform at least once a year in either in Europe, and have played every year at the International Samba Festival in Coburg, Germany since 2001.

The LSS celebrated its 20th anniversary with a special workshop and performance in Covent Garden on April 3rd 2004 and a party in Brixton. We also had the honour of a special presentation and showcase at the 2004 Samba Encounter in Brighton in May. We welcome new members to our ranks - the LSS holds open access dance and percussion workshops in Waterloo every Sunday.

If you want to know more about the school, or the philosophy or practice of the music, please visit our website . Newcomers are always welcome, and after a few months you could be playing in the band or dancing at the Notting Hill Carnival.

Book us for your event!
The London School of Samba (LSS), probably the foremost school in the UK, has been performing to the delight of audiences for the past twenty years ; during this time it has performed at wide variety of events ranging from corporate parties, weddings, and festival parades to birthday parties, sporting events, and product launches.

The London School of Samba can be booked for any occasion where colour, rhythm and passion are the order of the day. We can provide small or large performing groups to suit any occasion or venue, whether club, parade or stately home.

The LSS Bateria (drumming group) varies in number from a minimum of 12 drummers for indoor events to over 50 for carnivals and parades. The LSS dancers include fast-stepping Passistas in beautifully plumed costumes, energetic Afro-Samba dancers, and graceful Baianas.

Further info CLICK HERE