What is it about the Baiana?

Abstract

In 1939, the notable Carmen Miranda starred in the Brazilian motion picture Banana da Terra (literally Homeland Banana), performing the — now historical — Dorival Caymmi’s samba “O Que é Que a Baiana Tem?” (“What is it about the Baiana?”).¹ Briefly, the song pays homage to the baiana² (i.e. a black female ambulatory vendor) who “typically” sells Afro-Brazilian food on the streets of urban centers. Miranda’s impersonation of this market woman within a modern casino show illustrates, more importantly, the enduring popularity of this character-type within Rio de Janeiro’s entertainment industry. Accompanied by a group of samba musicians, Bando da Lua, Miranda sings:

What is it about the baiana? 2x

[Literally, “What is it that the baiana has?”]

She has a silk turban. (Yes, she) has.

She has gold earrings. (Yes, she) has.

She has gold bracelets. (Yes, she) has.

She has pano da costa.³ (Yes, she) has.

She has an embroidered blouse. (Yes, she) has.

She has gold necklaces. (Yes, she) has.

She has a starched skirt. (Yes, she) has.

She has dressed-up sandals. (Yes, she) has. (Author’s translation)

Life is a Marketplace and our true house is in heaven.

Yoruba proverb