With pounding percussion, the city’s exuberant samba-reggae warriors are becoming a global phenomena. And anyone can get in on the act.

Photos: Steve Hide
Aaaaaiiiinnnjjjjaaaaa! First a rebel yell, then the drums of Aainjaa, the “most powerful batucada on the planet” echo over downtown Bogotá starting with the repique, a Brazilian drum whipped into a fast samba rhythm with two thin sticks, then quickly joined by a volley of snare drums, followed by deep bass surdos that shake the city streets as tambours and bells chime in.