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Meet the Afro-Latino Artists Shaping Brazilian Carnival 2025
Brazilian Carnival is one of the biggest, most energetic, and vibrant celebrations in the world. Every year, the streets of Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, São Paulo, and countless other cities come alive with music, dance, and endless energy. Although Carnival draws from European influences, it’s the Afro-Brazilian roots that really make it stand out.
From the samba beats that get you dancing to the afoxé rhythms with deep spiritual significance, African culture has played a central role in shaping Carnival. Samba itself sprang from African drumming traditions, brought to Brazil by enslaved people, and it was later fused with Portuguese and Indigenous influences. Even the vibrant costumes, masks, and face painting you see at Carnival have roots in African traditions designed to ward off evil spirits and honor ancestral customs. Today, Afro-Latino artists and performers keep this legacy alive, ensuring Carnival remains a celebration of Black culture, history, and resistance.
Now, in 2025, Afro-Latino artists continue to be at the heart of the party, from musicians and performers to designers and leaders of the samba schools.
Let’s check out some of the biggest Afro-Latino names turning heads this year at Carnival.
- Ilê Aiyê – The Original Afro-Brazilian Carnival Block
When it comes to the Afro-Latino influence in Carnival, we can’t overlook Ilê Aiyê. Founded in Salvador in 1974, this legendary Afro-Brazilian parade group is dedicated to celebrating Black culture, heritage, and empowerment. This year, they’re bringing their powerful drumming, vibrant dances, and deeply rooted traditions to the streets of Salvador, ensuring everyone feels the energy of their music.
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Ilê Aiyê is known for their “only Black performers” policy, which has generated discussions but has also established them as a symbol of Black pride in Brazil. Their music narrates the history of Afro-Brazilian people, combining their performances with storytelling and spirituality. If you’re in Salvador this year, making it to their parade is a must-do.
- Olodum – The Samba Reggae Legends
You probably remember them as the group that performed with Michael Jackson in “They Don’t Care About Us,” but Olodum is much more than that. This legendary group from Salvador is the mastermind behind Samba Reggae, blending Brazilian samba and Caribbean reggae, and their drumming rhythms are unmistakable.
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This year, Olodum is hitting the streets of Salvador once more, bringing their powerful beats to the people. More than just a music group, Olodum is also an activist organization, advocating for Afro-Brazilian rights and using their music to deliver a message of resistance, pride, and unity. Expect huge crowds, electrifying energy, and nonstop dancing when they take over the parade.
- Carlinhos Brown – The King of Carnival
If there’s one name you need to know for Carnival 2025, it’s Carlinhos Brown. A true Afro-Brazilian music legend, he’s a singer, composer, percussionist, and producer who has worked with stars like Shakira, Ricky Martin, and The Black Eyed Peas.
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This year, Carlinhos Brown is bringing his Timbalada Block to the streets of Salvador, celebrating 40 years of Axé music. His performances mix traditional Afro-Brazilian drumming with modern beats, creating an electric atmosphere that gets everyone moving. Whether he’s on stage or leading the parade, Carlinhos Brown is one of the most influential figures in Brazilian music and culture.
- Mangueira – The Samba School with a Story
Samba schools are the heart and soul of Rio’s Carnival, and few have a richer history than Mangueira. Established in 1928, Mangueira showcases the deep African roots of samba, bringing traditional rhythms, drumming, and storytelling to their parades.
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This year, Mangueira’s theme celebrates Afro-Brazilian heritage, and their parade on March 2nd at the Rio Sambadrome is expected to be one of the most thrilling of the year. Their colorful floats, elaborate costumes, and dynamic dancers always steal the spotlight. Moreover, they’ve been a symbol of resistance, community, and pride for decades.
- Afoxé Kambalagwanze – A Spiritual Celebration
One of the most traditional groups in Carnival, Afoxé Kambalagwanze brings the spirit of Candomblé to the streets. Their theme for 2025 is “Ajeum,” a Yoruba word meaning “to eat together.” In Candomblé, sharing food is a sacred act that connects people with their ancestors, and this year’s parade will celebrate unity, heritage, and resilience.
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Dressed in white and gold, their dancers move in sync to the hypnotic beats of atabaques, which are Afro-Brazilian drums. This performance is among the most spiritual and powerful of Carnival, and it’s definitely a must-see if you want to experience the true essence of Afro-Brazilian culture.
- Beija-Flor – The Samba Powerhouse
If you’re into big, bold, and breathtaking performances, you can’t miss Beija-Flor. This samba school from Rio de Janeiro has claimed 14 Carnival titles and is one of the most iconic in history.
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On March 3rd, Beija-Flor is gearing up to take over the Sambadrome once again, showcasing a parade dedicated to Afro-Brazilian legends and culture. As usual, they’re famous for their lavish costumes, intricate floats, and amazing dancers, symbolizing the growth of Afro-Latino influence in Brazilian Carnival.
As these powerful Afro-Latino voices continue to shape Brazilian Carnival, we’re reminded that this celebration is so much more than music and dance. It’s about resilience, heritage, and reclaiming space. The artists you’ve just met aren’t only entertaining us; they’re making sure our culture stays alive, vibrant, and deeply rooted in our African ancestry.
This Carnival, let’s celebrate these trailblazers and recognize their impact far beyond the festival streets. Whether you’re dancing in Salvador, Rio, or celebrating from afar, let’s uplift these stories and support the creators who proudly carry their Afro-Latino heritage forward. Because at the end of the day, our history is our rhythm, and these artists are making sure the beat never stops.
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