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Pimba: Portugal’s Fun & Often Raunchy Music Genre

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Close-up of a person's hands playing buttons on a red Hohner accordion. The person is wearing a white shirt, and only the hands and part of the forearm are visible. The background is blurred.
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Last updated on September 24, 2024 | Est. Reading Time: 3 minutes

If you’re planning to move to Portugal, you might be familiar with Fado, the soulful traditional music often associated with the country. You may have even experienced a Fado performance during a visit. While Fado is undoubtedly a significant part of Portugal’s cultural heritage, recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage, there’s another musical genre that’s equally important to understand: Pimba.

Pimba music probably isn’t the side of Portugal you imagined when dreaming of your move, but it’s a vital part of the culture that’s worth knowing about. Unlike Fado, you won’t find Pimba dinner evenings in Lisbon restaurants or museums dedicated to its history. However, that doesn’t diminish its cultural significance.

What is Pimba? Pimba is an upbeat style that blends pop and folk elements. It’s particularly popular at summer festivals and weddings, especially in rural areas. While some city dwellers in Lisbon or Porto might feel a bit embarrassed by it or look down on it, Pimba is an integral part of many Portuguese celebrations.

Key characteristics of Pimba include:

  • A lively beat that gets people dancing
  • Simple, often humorous and sometimes risqué lyrics
  • Typically features an accordion and synthesizer

The genre gained prominence with Emanuel’s 1995 single “Pimba Pimba,” though earlier examples exist. Emanuel certainly wasn’t the first person to sing a double entendre-filled country song (Quim Barreiros’ 1991 song Bacalhau à Portuguesa, for example, is definitely not subtle) but the genre really took off after this song – and got a name as well. Since then, it has become a recognized genre within Portugal, even if it’s not an official genre or widely known internationally.

Why Pimba matters for expats:

  1. Cultural integration: Understanding Pimba can help you connect with local culture, especially in rural areas.
  2. Language learning: Pimba lyrics are often simple and clear, making them useful for Portuguese learners. It could be particularly helpful when preparing for the listening section of your A2 language exam (or higher).
  3. Social events: You’re likely to encounter Pimba at festivals and celebrations. Knowing about it can help you participate more fully in these events.
  4. Understanding humor: Pimba often incorporates wordplay and innuendo, offering insights into Portuguese humor and slang.
  5. Breaking stereotypes: Experiencing Pimba alongside more internationally recognized Portuguese music like Fado gives you a more rounded view of the country’s musical landscape.

To get started with Pimba, consider listening to these popular tracks:

Remember, embracing all aspects of Portuguese culture, including less internationally famous ones like Pimba, can significantly enhance your experience as an expat. It demonstrates your willingness to understand and integrate into your new home, beyond just the postcard-perfect aspects of Portuguese life.

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