Candomblé has similar origins to Umbanda and Macumba but should be distinguised from both, as well as from similar religions Voodoo, Santeria and Obeah (religions that do not exist in any significant numbers in Brazil and did not originate there).

Candomblé is a form of Spiritualism and worships a number of Orishas (a concept not dissimilar from that of Kami from the japanese Shinto religion), including Oxala, Xango, Iemanja, Oxossi, Ogum, Oxxum, Exu and Iansa.

Candomble significantly influenced the African music and derived musical styles.