Unidos de Vila Isabel selects Martinho da Vila samba for 2027 Carnival

The samba school Unidos de Vila Isabel has reversed its decision to merge two different compositions for the 2027 Carnival parade. Initially, the school announced it would combine the works of Martinho da Vila and Paulo César Feital, but following internal meetings, the leadership decided to move forward with only the samba composed by Martinho da Vila, Evandro Bocão, and André Diniz.

The reversal follows opposition from Martinho da Vila, the 88-year-old honorary president of the school, who expressed disagreement with merging different musical styles. While he had initially allowed the use of his work, he reportedly refused to sign the final merged piece. School president Luiz Guimarães stated the decision was based on the long-standing, sixty-year relationship with Martinho.

The decision has caused internal friction within the organization. Composer Paulo César Feital expressed disappointment, while three other composers—Gustavinho, Gabriel Simões, and Thales Nunes—left the group in protest, describing the move as a humiliation.