Exploring the origin of an intriguing instrument played in Brazil

Americas Now

It may look like a ukulele, but this stringed instrument is called a cavaquinho. Sometimes referred to as a “cava,” it is key to composing Samba and Pagode music in Brazil. Many assume the miniature guitar also hails from Brazil but that is not the case.

Correspondent Gerry Hadden travels to Lisbon, Portugal for “Americas Now” to explore the origins of the cavaquinho. He tells us how the cava is both a musical instrument and an immigrant, arriving in Brazil by ship a couple of centuries ago.

Gerry also introduces us to two young Brazilian filmmakers in Portugal who set out in search of the instrument’s origins. And their investigation isn’t over. After Portugal, they will travel on to the island of Madeira.

Check out Gerry’s report and enjoy a little Samba yourself.

Exploring the origin of an intriguing instrument played in Brazil

It may look like a ukulele, but this stringed instrument is called a cavaquinho. Sometimes referred to as a “cava,” it is key to composing Samba and Pagode music in Brazil. Many assume the miniature guitar also hails from Brazil but that is not the case. Correspondent Gerry Hadden travels to Lisbon, Portugal for “Americas Now” to explore the origins of the cavaquinho. He tells us how the cava is both a musical instrument and an immigrant, arriving in Brazil by ship a couple of centuries ago. Gerry also introduces us to two young Brazilian filmmakers in Portugal who set out in search of the instrument’s origins. And their investigation isn’t over. After Portugal, they will travel on to the island of Madeira. Check out Gerry’s report and enjoy a little Samba yourself.