What Is Samba Legál?

Pronounced 'leg-gao', meaning "cool, hip" Samba Legál is not just a band, it is a family, a collective, a fusion of culture, rhythm and community spirit dedicated to sharing the exhilarating sounds of Afro-Brazilian drumming from Bahia and Rio de Janeiro — Samba Reggae, Samba Afro, Parade style drumming and more.

Twenty years ago, leader and conductor Mark Daoud stumbled into a drumming class by chance and discovered a lifelong passion. What began as a moment of curiosity turned into a two-decade journey across the heart of Brazil to learn the art of Brazilian percussion. Mark had the privilege of studying under the legendary Marcio Peeter (Ilê Aiyê), whose mentorship opened the doors to the soulful sounds of Salvador, Bahia.

His dedication took him deep into the rehearsals of Brazil's most iconic percussion ensembles, including Olodum, Cortejo Afro, and Ilê Aiyê. While his experience is rooted in the powerful Afro-Brazilian traditions of Bahia, his repertoire spans the diverse rhythms of Northern Brazil and the high-energy batucada of Rio. Today, Mark's mission is to share these vibrant traditions with his students, spreading the same joy that changed his life twenty years ago.

Samba Legál plays all over the Monterey Peninsula, annually participating in the Big Sur International Marathon and Half Marathon, Sea Otter Classic at Laguna Seca, Monterey Museum's Block Party, Pacific Grove's Good Old Days, Monterey's 4th of July Parade, Walk for Alzheimer's, Halloween, Pacific Grove's Parade of Lights and First Night Monterey as well as private parties and events.