music is an essential part of carioca culture - just as importantly as the beaches and the forests that bless rio de janeiro, music in rio permeates every aspect of life in the city.

dating back to the end of the nineteenth century, the most famous rhythm born in rio de janeiro is samba, made even more popular by the international famous carnival celebrations.  

however the 'jazzy' bossa nova was also created in rio and received lots of international attention ever since the hit song 'garota de ipanema' in 1962.

more recently, the urban sound of funk carioca, born in the favelas of rio in the 80's, has become one of the most important and popular expression of local culture.