Latest news with #RioCarnival
News24
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
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!
Observer
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Observer
Afro-Brazilian carnival celebrates cultural kinship in Lagos
Thousands of young and old descendants of formerly enslaved people donned elaborate costumes Sunday to bring the rhythm, vibrancy and colours of Brazil's Rio Carnival to the streets of Lagos in Nigeria. The festival, albeit on a smaller scale than that of its Brazilian model, helps to keep their heritage alive and celebrate the city's Afro-Brazilian history. After Brazil abolished slavery, some of those who had been enslaved returned to west Africa, settling in several countries including Nigeria and Sierra Leone. They brought with them Latin American culture -- dance, food, religion and colours -- that lives on today in pockets of the megacity of Lagos. At Sunday's Fanti Carnival, a stilt-walking woman in a green-and-yellow dress with a yellow fascinator on her head danced rhythmically to sounds of loud drums and trumpets, sometimes stealing a hug from a man also performing on stilts. Just behind them, a group of young men in striking face masks were preparing for a "dragon dance" using long rubber dragons similar to those that feature in Chinese New Year celebrations. "We want to keep (our heritage) alive, very colourful... we love colours," said retired fine art teacher Onabolu Abiola, 67, dressed in the green and yellow of the Brazilian flag. "During this period, we don't bother ourselves with the economic situation or whatever... everybody comes together to have fun," said he added, breaking into an impromptu dance to traditional Nigerian Yoruba music. Participants parade during the Lagos Fanti Carnival, in Lagos on April 20, 2025. After Brazil abolished slavery, some of the enslaved Africans returned to West Africa, settling in several countries including Nigeria and Sierra Leone. They brought with them Latin American food, religion and colour. On Sunday thousands of descendants of the freed slaves – donned elaborate costumes at a colorful parade in Lagos to proudly keep their heritage alive. (Photo by TOYIN ADEDOKUN / AFP) - 'Story of hope' - "We are here to show culture, we are here to make history -- the celebration of culture is important," said 50-year-old Mayegun Musiliu as he walked with fellow performers. "This is how we sustain it." Brazil was the last place in the Americas to abolish slavery when it formally ended the practice in 1888. Many slaves were forced to adopt Portuguese names, and today in Nigeria, it is common to find people with Yoruba first names and Portuguese surnames. One of them is Aduke Gomez, a 62-year-old lawyer and historian. "The story of Afro-Brazilians is a story of tragedy... but it's a story of hope, it's a story of resilience," she said. Loud music blaring from speakers almost drowned out her words. "Personally, I'm very proud to be an Afro-Brazilian descendent because when you think of the chances of how many people came back and when they came back -- they came back with nothing... and many of them worked and lived to become educated and were contributing positively." The carnival, she added, "is not just a day, it's a tangible legacy of what my ancestors went through". - A little-known legacy - Another participant, renowned filmmaker and actress Joke Silva, 64, recalled how her parents always used to bring her to the Fanti festival as a child. She said she now continued the tradition, bringing her children to the celebrations. "There needs to be more interrogation on how the trauma of (slavery)... has been part of what we are today. But that is not to claim victimhood," she said. The carnival represents a part of Nigeria's history that is not always well known -- though some are trying to change that. Kelenchi Anabaraonye, 27, curated a history exhibition at the festival. "I had friends who were named Pionero, Pereira, Da Silva, Gomez," said Anabaraonye. "Back then I thought they were jesting with the names, because you have a Yoruba first name and why are your surnames foreign? I didn't know that there was some historical connection." —AFP
Malay Mail
21-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
Rhythms of return: Afro-Brazilian carnival rekindles forgotten ties in Lagos
LAGOS, April 21 — Thousands of young and old descendants of formerly enslaved people donned elaborate costumes Sunday to bring the rhythm, vibrancy and colours of Brazil's Rio Carnival to the streets of Lagos in Nigeria. The festival, albeit on a smaller scale than that of its Brazilian model, helps to keep their heritage alive and celebrate the city's Afro-Brazilian history. After Brazil abolished slavery, some of those who had been enslaved returned to west Africa, settling in several countries including Nigeria and Sierra Leone. They brought with them Latin American culture — dance, food, religion and colours — that lives on today in pockets of the megacity of Lagos. At Sunday's Fanti Carnival, a stilt-walking woman in a green-and-yellow dress with a yellow fascinator on her head danced rhythmically to sounds of loud drums and trumpets, sometimes stealing a hug from a man also performing on stilts. Just behind them, a group of young men in striking face masks were preparing for a 'dragon dance' using long rubber dragons similar to those that feature in Chinese New Year celebrations. 'We want to keep (our heritage) alive, very colourful... we love colours,' said retired fine art teacher Onabolu Abiola, 67, dressed in the green and yellow of the Brazilian flag. 'During this period, we don't bother ourselves with the economic situation or whatever... everybody comes together to have fun,' said he added, breaking into an impromptu dance to traditional Nigerian Yoruba music. After Brazil abolished slavery, some of the enslaved Africans returned to West Africa, settling in several countries including Nigeria and Sierra Leone. They brought with them Latin American food, religion and colour. On Sunday thousands of descendants of the freed slaves donned elaborate costumes at a colorful parade in Lagos to proudly keep their heritage alive. — AFP pic 'Story of hope' 'We are here to show culture, we are here to make history — the celebration of culture is important,' said 50-year-old Mayegun Musiliu as he walked with fellow performers. 'This is how we sustain it.' Brazil was the last place in the Americas to abolish slavery when it formally ended the practice in 1888. Many slaves were forced to adopt Portuguese names, and today in Nigeria, it is common to find people with Yoruba first names and Portuguese surnames. One of them is Aduke Gomez, a 62-year-old lawyer and historian. 'The story of Afro-Brazilians is a story of tragedy... but it's a story of hope, it's a story of resilience,' she said. Loud music blaring from speakers almost drowned out her words. 'Personally, I'm very proud to be an Afro-Brazilian descendent because when you think of the chances of how many people came back and when they came back — they came back with nothing... and many of them worked and lived to become educated and were contributing positively.' The carnival, she added, 'is not just a day, it's a tangible legacy of what my ancestors went through'. The carnival represents a part of Nigeria's history that is not always well known — though some are trying to change that. — AFP pic A little-known legacy Another participant, renowned filmmaker and actress Joke Silva, 64, recalled how her parents always used to bring her to the Fanti festival as a child. She said she now continued the tradition, bringing her children to the celebrations. 'There needs to be more interrogation on how the trauma of (slavery)... has been part of what we are today. But that is not to claim victimhood,' she said. The carnival represents a part of Nigeria's history that is not always well known — though some are trying to change that. Kelenchi Anabaraonye, 27, curated a history exhibition at the festival. 'I had friends who were named Pionero, Pereira, Da Silva, Gomez,' said Anabaraonye. 'Back then I thought they were jesting with the names, because you have a Yoruba first name and why are your surnames foreign? I didn't know that there was some historical connection.' — AFP
Asharq Al-Awsat
21-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Afro-Brazilian Carnival Celebrates Cultural Kinship in Lagos
Thousands of young and old descendants of formerly enslaved people donned elaborate costumes Sunday to bring the rhythm, vibrancy and colors of Brazil's Rio Carnival to the streets of Lagos in Nigeria. The festival, albeit on a smaller scale than that of its Brazilian model, helps to keep their heritage alive and celebrate the city's Afro-Brazilian history. After Brazil abolished slavery, some of those who had been enslaved returned to west Africa, settling in several countries including Nigeria and Sierra Leone, AFP said. They brought with them Latin American culture -- dance, food, religion and colors -- that lives on today in pockets of the megacity of Lagos. At Sunday's Fanti Carnival, a stilt-walking woman in a green-and-yellow dress with a yellow fascinator on her head danced rhythmically to sounds of loud drums and trumpets, sometimes stealing a hug from a man also performing on stilts. Just behind them, a group of young men in striking face masks were preparing for a "dragon dance" using long rubber dragons similar to those that feature in Chinese New Year celebrations. "We want to keep (our heritage) alive, very colorful... we love colors," said retired fine art teacher Onabolu Abiola, 67, dressed in the green and yellow of the Brazilian flag. "During this period, we don't bother ourselves with the economic situation or whatever... everybody comes together to have fun," he added, breaking into an impromptu dance to traditional Nigerian Yoruba music. 'Story of hope' "We are here to show culture, we are here to make history -- the celebration of culture is important," said 50-year-old Mayegun Musiliu as he walked with fellow performers. "This is how we sustain it." Brazil was the last place in the Americas to abolish slavery when it formally ended the practice in 1888. Many slaves were forced to adopt Portuguese names, and today in Nigeria, it is common to find people with Yoruba first names and Portuguese surnames. One of them is Aduke Gomez, a 62-year-old lawyer and historian. "The story of Afro-Brazilians is a story of tragedy... but it's a story of hope, it's a story of resilience," she said. Loud music blaring from speakers almost drowned out her words. "Personally, I'm very proud to be an Afro-Brazilian descendent because when you think of the chances of how many people came back and when they came back -- they came back with nothing... and many of them worked and lived to become educated and were contributing positively." The carnival, she added, "is not just a day, it's a tangible legacy of what my ancestors went through". A little-known legacy Another participant, renowned filmmaker and actress Joke Silva, 64, recalled how her parents always used to bring her to the Fanti festival as a child. She said she now continued the tradition, bringing her children to the celebrations. "There needs to be more interrogation on how the trauma of (slavery)... has been part of what we are today. But that is not to claim victimhood," she said. The carnival represents a part of Nigeria's history that is not always well known -- though some are trying to change that. Kelenchi Anabaraonye, 27, curated a history exhibition at the festival. "I had friends who were named Pionero, Pereira, Da Silva, Gomez," said Anabaraonye. "Back then I thought they were jesting with the names, because you have a Yoruba first name and why are your surnames foreign? I didn't know that there was some historical connection."
Yahoo
20-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Afro-Brazilian carnival celebrates cultural kinship in Lagos
Thousands of young and old descendants of formerly enslaved people donned elaborate costumes Sunday to bring the rhythm, vibrancy and colours of Brazil's Rio Carnival to the streets of Lagos in Nigeria. The festival, albeit on a smaller scale than that of its Brazilian model, helps to keep their heritage alive and celebrate the city's Afro-Brazilian history. After Brazil abolished slavery, some of those who had been enslaved returned to west Africa, settling in several countries including Nigeria and Sierra Leone. They brought with them Latin American culture -- dance, food, religion and colours -- that lives on today in pockets of the megacity of Lagos. At Sunday's Fanti Carnival, a stilt-walking woman in a green-and-yellow dress with a yellow fascinator on her head danced rhythmically to sounds of loud drums and trumpets, sometimes stealing a hug from a man also performing on stilts. Just behind them, a group of young men in striking face masks were preparing for a "dragon dance" using long rubber dragons similar to those that feature in Chinese New Year celebrations. "We want to keep (our heritage) alive, very colourful... we love colours," said retired fine art teacher Onabolu Abiola, 67, dressed in the green and yellow of the Brazilian flag. "During this period, we don't bother ourselves with the economic situation or whatever... everybody comes together to have fun," said he added, breaking into an impromptu dance to traditional Nigerian Yoruba music. - 'Story of hope' - "We are here to show culture, we are here to make history -- the celebration of culture is important," said 50-year-old Mayegun Musiliu as he walked with fellow performers. "This is how we sustain it." Brazil was the last place in the Americas to abolish slavery when it formally ended the practice in 1888. Many slaves were forced to adopt Portuguese names, and today in Nigeria, it is common to find people with Yoruba first names and Portuguese surnames. One of them is Aduke Gomez, a 62-year-old lawyer and historian. "The story of Afro-Brazilians is a story of tragedy... but it's a story of hope, it's a story of resilience," she said. Loud music blaring from speakers almost drowned out her words. "Personally, I'm very proud to be an Afro-Brazilian descendent because when you think of the chances of how many people came back and when they came back -- they came back with nothing... and many of them worked and lived to become educated and were contributing positively." The carnival, she added, "is not just a day, it's a tangible legacy of what my ancestors went through". - A little-known legacy - Another participant, renowned filmmaker and actress Joke Silva, 64, recalled how her parents always used to bring her to the Fanti festival as a child. She said she now continued the tradition, bringing her children to the celebrations. "There needs to be more interrogation on how the trauma of (slavery)... has been part of what we are today. But that is not to claim victimhood," she said. The carnival represents a part of Nigeria's history that is not always well known -- though some are trying to change that. Kelenchi Anabaraonye, 27, curated a history exhibition at the festival. "I had friends who were named Pionero, Pereira, Da Silva, Gomez," said Anabaraonye. "Back then I thought they were jesting with the names, because you have a Yoruba first name and why are your surnames foreign? I didn't know that there was some historical connection." sn/nro/djt-jj
