Here's why:
* Lyrical Tradition: Samba is deeply rooted in storytelling and social commentary. Lyrics are a vital part of expressing the themes of love, life, social issues, and everyday experiences.
* Musical Style: The rhythmic structure and melodic elements of Samba lend themselves perfectly to vocal performance. The syncopated rhythms, call-and-response patterns, and infectious melodies create a strong connection between the music and the singers.
* History: From its origins in the 19th century, Samba has always featured singers and songwriters. Some of the most famous Brazilian musicians, like Carmen Miranda, Cartola, and Pixinguinha, were renowned Samba singers.
However, there are some exceptions:
* Instrumental Samba: While rare, there are instrumental versions of Samba that focus purely on the music without vocals.
* Modern Variations: Contemporary Samba music sometimes explores experimental approaches, including instrumental-focused tracks.
Overall, the presence of vocals is a defining characteristic of traditional and popular Samba music. It's the voice that carries the emotion, story, and spirit of this vibrant Brazilian art form.