Samba Roots was born in Amsterdam from the shared passion of Jeroen, a Dutch percussionist with a heart for Brazil, and Igor, a singer from Rio who grew up in a family where samba colored daily life. Driven by the need for the magic of a real Roda de Samba – the circle where music, dance, and togetherness make worries disappear – they gathered a vibrant, multicultural collective of top musicians from Brazil and beyond, with Amsterdam as their home base. Together with their dynamic frontwoman Naomi Bright, Samba Roots brings an energetic live experience in which traditional styles like Samba de Raiz and Samba de Roda merge with modern influences such as Baile Funk, hip-hop, and R&B. The result is an immersive celebration of Brazilian culture, where the audience is invited to dance, sing, and enjoy together. Together with frontwoman Naomi Bright, Samba Roots blends traditional samba styles with contemporary influences from Baile Funk, hip-hop and R&B. The result is an energetic celebration of Brazilian culture that invites audiences to dance, sing and connect.

Born in Brazil and based in Amsterdam, Lucas Figueiredo Santana is a versatile musician whose sound bridges Brazilian musical traditions and contemporary jazz. A saxophonist, clarinetist and flautist, he moves effortlessly between samba jazz, bossa nova and choro, blending the rhythms and melodies of his roots with jazz influences and contemporary European sounds. With a strong sense of musicality and an energetic approach, Lucas brings a distinctive perspective to every performance. Joining Samba Roots, he brings his rich Brazilian sound to the stage, celebrating the vibrant rhythms and musical traditions of Brazil.