RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Anitta has solidified her status as a pop music sensation both in Brazil and internationally. On Monday, she faced a new challenge during her first performance at the Sambadrome, one of the nation's most prestigious stages. The 31-year-old artist took on the role of a songwriter for the Unidos da Tijuca samba school as part of the Carnival celebrations in Rio de Janeiro.
This year's theme for Unidos da Tijuca is "Logun Edé," a significant figure in Afro-Brazilian religions representing a powerful force in nature. Anitta teamed up with traditional samba artists to craft the school's parade song, which is performed repeatedly for up to 80 minutes to enhance the connection between the theme, costumes, and floats. The lyrics reflect the character of Logun Edé, embodying his bright and challenging spirit.
The parade on Monday night showcased artists from Unidos da Tijuca clad in the school's yellow and blue colors, with costumes that honored both the deity and the Borel Hill community, where the samba school is located. This area often faces violence from crime and police conflict, adding importance to the cultural expression embodied in the parade. Diego Nicolau, part of the Unidos da Tijuca songwriting team, mentioned that Anitta recorded parts of the song while juggling her busy schedule of concerts in New York and Europe, even setting up a makeshift studio in her hotel room.
Before appearing at the Sambadrome, Anitta began her Carnival festivities in Salvador, where she drew massive crowds leading thousands atop "electric trios," which are sound trucks designed to make Carnival accessible by eliminating the need for front-row seating. She then attracted around 550,000 revelers to a street party in São Luís, northeastern Brazil. However, as Unidos da Tijuca took the stage, Anitta was preoccupied, attending an event in São Paulo, which left many of her fans disappointed and voicing their frustrations on social media.
Fans eagerly questioned Anitta’s absence, expressing a desire to see her perform live during the parade. The winner of Rio’s Carnival will be announced on Wednesday, with each of the top 12 samba schools vying for victory. If Unidos da Tijuca claims the championship, Anitta will join the ranks of Brazil's prominent music writers who have successfully navigated the demanding environment of samba music. Should the school secure a place in the top six, Anitta will have another opportunity to partake in the celebrations during the "Parade of Champions" on Saturday.
In the hours preceding this event, Anitta is set to host a post-Carnival street party expected to attract over 100,000 attendees. Addressing the tight scheduling, Anitta mentioned that the planning for her Carnival concerts began long before the Samba contest victory in September, stating, "There wasn’t much I could do. We will make history regardless; I am confident." As the Carnival events unfold, the anticipation and excitement surrounding Anitta’s multifaceted role in this seasonal celebration continue to grow.
