Batucada, loosely translated, means percussive samba jam, which aptly describes this brilliant and diverse group of 10 musicians. Their tasty concoction of Brazilian, Cuban and Afro-beat rhythms has the hip hop front of MC Hazaduz, whose solid rhymes over the massive samba-reggae percussion add to the band’s rich Pacific soul, reggae and funk flavours.

With influences from bands such as Ozomatli and Manu Chao, Batucada Sound Machine have developed a solid reputation for delivering blistering live performances, fine musicianship and collective impulsiveness. Following tours throughout New Zealand, Australia, the UK, Korea, Germany, Portugal, Belgium, Spain and the Netherlands, the super-tight horns and wall-of-sound percussion will raise the roof off Castlemaine.

MC, vocals MC Hazaduz  Guitar, vocals Richard Setford  Guitar, vocals Henrique Morales  Percussion, vocals James Hughes  Bass guitar Alex Ulrich  Trumpet Finn Scholes  Trombone Oliver Emmitt  Percussion Darryn Sigley  Drums Jono Sawyer  Keyboards Vuk Tomic