Batala NYC

It later developed into two groups; Batalá New York,[1] whose music and costumes are primarily from Salvador da Bahia in Brazil, and Fogo Azul NYC, a Samba Reggae marching band.

Kovacs brought back 35 drums, and Batalá NYC had their first rehearsal in March 2012.

[5] [citation needed] Kovacs, together with 17 members of the original Batalá NYC, founded a new musical entity named Fogo Azul NYC, and joining the Marcus Santos' music education network Grooversity.

Fogo Azul NYC now has 125 women, transgender, and non-binary drummers who are there to drum and enjoy the music of Grooversity and Brazil.

[6] Batalá NYC performed with notable acts such as The Rolling Stones,[7] participated in many events including New York's Village Halloween Parade,[8] and took part in benefit concerts for One Billion Rising.