30-04-2025
Rio Carnival's Erika Januza Reflects on a Homecoming of the Heart at the Cape Town Carnival
When Brazilian actress and samba queen Erika Januza stepped onto the streets of Cape Town for the Cape Town Carnival 2025, she wasn't just bringing the pulse of Rio — she was stepping into something deeply personal, something powerful. A celebration of culture, ancestry, and connection that crossed oceans and continents.
Januza, who had just passed on the baton of the iconic title of Rainha de Bateria (Queen of the Drums) in Rio de Janeiro's legendary Carnival, described her experience in Cape Town as 'better than she could have imagined.' Despite Carnival's global fame, she was surprised to find that many people she met, even while transiting through Johannesburg, were unaware of Cape Town's own spectacular celebration. "I hope more people come to know about the Cape Town Carnival, come to appreciate it, because it's incredible," she said.
From the moment she arrived, Januza felt embraced — a feeling that only deepened when she visited the Carnival's rehearsal warehouse. The memory of that moment stayed vivid: the cheering, the singing, the sheer joy that greeted her. "I didn't know if my presence would have relevance for the people participating there. But when I entered the warehouse and everyone was shouting, clapping, and dancing — it was a reception that I don't think I've ever experienced even in Brazil," she shared.
For Januza, the Carnival wasn't just a performance; it was a homecoming. "Having a Carnival that is so Brazilian while Brazil has so much African influence — it was very emotional for me," she explained. 'I have African blood running through me, in some way.' The invitation to celebrate culture in South Africa carried profound meaning: it was a full-circle moment, a living bridge between histories, traditions, and dreams.
As Rio Carnival's Queen of the Drums from 2022 to 2024, Januza is no stranger to holding a deeply symbolic role. Leading the percussion section at the Rio Carnival — the heartbeat of the samba school — is a coveted honour, one that demands not just beauty but profound commitment and community connection. "It's not just about marking your presence and being beautiful — it's much more than that," she explained in a previous interview. 'I hope that I can show that I am a powerful, beautiful woman, that I have respect, that I deserve to be respected, and that I am there to represent the strength of women and samba in our country'.
Bringing that spirit to Cape Town meant more than simply performing samba. It meant immersing herself in a new rhythm while honouring her own roots. She embraced the cultural differences — the dance styles, the performance energy — while recognising the shared heartbeat of celebration and unity.
"There is no competition — it's a grand parade for the community, for everyone," she reflected. The lack of rivalry, the sheer collective joy, and the collaborative spirit of the Cape Town Carnival resonated deeply with her.
Throughout her time in Cape Town, Januza formed genuine bonds — with the performers, the organisers, and the many fans who called her "queen" along the parade route. She spoke warmly of the wonderful care extended to her and her team, noting that the spirit of hospitality left her "in love" with the city and its people.
As she returns to Brazil, where she continues to blaze trails both as an actress and three-time Carnival queen, Januza carries Cape Town in her heart. 'It was worth crossing the ocean,' she said.
And if there's one thing she made clear — this wasn't a goodbye, but a "see you again'. "Just invite me, and I'll come back!" she said with a laugh. "It would be a pleasure to return and see everyone again."
For Cape Town, for South Africa, and for everyone lucky enough to experience her magic, Erika Januza's time at the Cape Town Carnival was not just a visit — it was a celebration of shared soul, resilience, and joy.
To relive the magic, explore our online gallery and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X. Next year's carnival planning will be happening soon — and if this year was anything to go by, you won't want to miss it!
