Ilê Aiyê wanted to distinguish their music from the increasingly rapid samba of Rio de Janeiro, so they deliberately chose a slower tempo than is used in Rio, and avoided the high-pitched percussion instruments that are particularly associated with the Rio Carnival (cuíca and tamborim). These musical choices were consciously made as a political statement.
Ilê Aiyê sought to distinguish their music from the quickening samba of Rio de Janeiro by opting for a slower tempo than used in Rio and avoiding high-pitched percussion instruments like cuíca and tamborim, which are associated with the Rio Carnival. These musical choices were made deliberately as a form of political expression.