The Music of Belo Horizonte: From the Tradition of Clube da Esquina to the Current Scene Taking Over the Streets
- Horizonte Coliving
- Feb 19
- 5 min read
Belo Horizonte is a city that beats to the rhythm of music. Anyone visiting or living here quickly notices that music is deeply woven into the city's soul – whether it's the soft sound of a viola played in the squares, the fast-paced rhythm of a good samba, or the energy radiating from its stages. For those seeking a complete cultural experience, BH is the perfect place. Here, history and present meet harmoniously, with music being the thread that ties the past, present, and future together. For those living at Horizonte Coliving, this connection is experienced from the inside out, with music and art flowing through every corner of the house.
Clube da Esquina: The Unmistakable Milestone of Brazilian Music
Any conversation about Belo Horizonte's music scene starts with the iconic Clube da Esquina. Formed in the 1960s by legends like Milton Nascimento, Lô Borges, Beto Guedes, Fernando Brant, Flávio Venturini, Toninho Horta, Wagner Tiso, and others, Clube da Esquina was not just a musical movement, but a cultural revolution. The fusion of jazz, rock, classical music, and Brazilian rhythms created a sound that was entirely new for its time and continues to resonate throughout Brazil and the world today.
This movement originated from a small group of friends who shared a passion for music and creative freedom. Milton Nascimento — with his unmistakable voice, once dubbed by Elis Regina as "the voice of God" — and Lô Borges, with his unique gift for songwriting, took Minas Gerais’ music to the international stage while never losing their deep roots in local culture.
At Horizonte Coliving, the music of Clube da Esquina is more than history — it's an experience. The Clube da Esquina mural in the house isn’t just a work of art; it’s a celebration of friendship, creativity, and a legacy that continues to inspire not only the people of Minas Gerais but also the visitors and residents of the coliving. The energy of the house reflects this musical union, where art merges with people, creating a unique atmosphere of community and creativity.
Minas Gerais and Music: A State That Breathes Art and Culture
But the musical legacy of Belo Horizonte goes beyond Clube da Esquina. Minas Gerais, as a whole, has always had an intrinsic relationship with music. The culture of Minas, marked by hospitality and simplicity, is also reflected in the melodies that emerge from the mountains and historic cities. While Clube da Esquina is a symbol of BH, the towns in the interior of Minas also contribute with their rich musical heritage, including congado, a religious Afro-Brazilian cultural expression, and sertanejo, one of the country’s most traditional music styles.
In Belo Horizonte, music is present on every corner. The city has a strong samba tradition, and if you walk through neighborhoods like Santa Tereza, you’ll feel the rhythm pulsing through the streets. More than just a musical expression, samba in BH is a cultural statement, and it also plays a big part in the events that energize the city all year round, such as the famous Belo Horizonte Street Carnival.
The New Musical Generation of Belo Horizonte: Rap, Funk, Jazz, and More
Belo Horizonte has always had a deep connection with music. While in the past Clube da Esquina revolutionized Brazilian sound, today the city continues to thrive with a diverse and authentic music scene where different styles find their place and transform.
Mineiro Rap: Voices of the City
The rap scene in BH has grown and become one of the city's strongest expressions. Djonga and FBC are two of the main names that put Belo Horizonte on the map of national hip-hop, with sharp lyrics that portray urban realities and connect with the everyday life of the periphery. But the scene doesn’t stop there. Emerging artists keep coming up, bringing fresh perspectives and solidifying rap as a constantly evolving movement.
Funk and the Energy of the Streets
Mineiro funk has also found its own space and identity. With catchy beats and lyrics that reflect the experiences of youth, the genre has become one of the city’s main cultural expressions. The connection between local artists and big names in the national funk scene has helped elevate Belo Horizonte as one of the movement's hotspots.
Jazz and the Instrumental Scene
Jazz in BH has its guaranteed place, with venues like Clube de Jazz at Café com Letras and Mina Jazz hosting talented artists who explore new sounds and blends. Mineiro jazz has its own identity, influenced by the state's musical traditions and the exchange with different genres.
New Fusions and Experimentation
The city's music scene is also marked by experimentation and genre fusion. The duo Ogoin & Linguini is an example of this new generation, bringing diverse influences to create something unique. Additionally, Funk MTG continues to gain ground, showing that BH is a melting pot of creativity and sonic diversity.
A City in Constant Transformation
What’s being heard today in Belo Horizonte reflects its cultural effervescence. From rap to jazz, funk to instrumental music, the city continues to be a birthplace of talent and a convergence point for different forms of musical expression. Here, music is always reinventing itself.
Music at Horizonte Coliving: Where Sounds and Stories Meet
Music is an essential part of the soul of Horizonte Coliving. Here, sharing space also means sharing sounds, stories, and influences. The house pulses with music — whether through a guitar strumming in the living room, a record spinning on the turntable, or spontaneous gatherings that turn simple moments into unforgettable experiences.
In the backyard, the Clube da Esquina mural is more than a tribute. It’s a reflection of the house’s spirit: a place where encounters create art, where friendships build movements. The energy of this legacy stays alive, connecting residents and visitors through sound and history.
Living at Horizonte Coliving means being immersed in this musical melting pot. Whether attending shows, feeling the rhythm of the city’s samba, or discovering new artists at independent events, music is always present. Here, it’s not just background noise — it’s the star of the show.
If you live and breathe music, Horizonte Coliving might just be your place.
Conclusion: Belo Horizonte and Horizonte Coliving - Where Music Never Stops
Belo Horizonte is a city where music never stops. From the tradition of Clube da Esquina to the vibrant current scene, BH is a place where sounds blend, cultures meet, and friendships are made to the sound of guitars and drums. Horizonte Coliving, with its connection to music and local culture, offers its residents an immersive and authentic experience. Here, every corner of the house breathes music — from the Clube da Esquina mural to the casual conversations and cultural events. If you’re looking for a place where you can live the music of BH and connect with people from all over the world, Horizonte Coliving is the perfect spot for you.
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