I definitely had this feeling while I was in Bahia. It is a very African city, and everything from the food, clothing, music, religious traditions, are very African. The people look either African or some mixture containing African ancestry. Just beautiful! Your post points out why so many people have trouble figuring out the ethnicities of Brazilian models such as Adriana.
As far as Timbalada's music goes, it is really samba, samba-reggae, carnival music. It is infectious, and I can't sit still listening to it! You need lots of energy, rhythm and sensuality to dance to it...maybe something Danny has over the Prince...