# Anitta named Grande Rio Drum Queen for 2027 Carnival > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/virginia-fonseca-business-ventures-and-public-reception > Updated: 2026-09-09T02:11:05.000Z. Sources: 80. Developments: 10. Singer Anitta has been officially announced as the new Rainha de Bateria (Drum Queen) for the Acadêmicos do Grande Rio samba school for the 2027 Carnival, succeeding influencer Virginia Fonseca. Anitta described the role as a “long-held dream” that aligns with her current artistic focus on themes of faith, ancestry, and the history of Africans returning to the Gold Coast. The school’s parade theme, ‘Sankofa Tabon – Os Retornados da Costa do Ouro e a Estrela Negra da Liberdade,’ explores the history of enslaved Africans who gained freedom and returned to the Gold Coast (modern-day Ghana). Anitta has invited Viviane Araújo, the long-time drum queen for Salgueiro, to perform at her coronation ceremony, which is expected to take place in September in Duque de Caxias. Anitta referred to Araújo as the “Rainha das rainhas” (Queen of queens). The invitation was facilitated by David Brazil, who also assisted in negotiations for Anitta joining the school. Regarding the transition, Virginia Fonseca will not participate in the coronation. While a dispute previously emerged concerning the traditional crown-passing ceremony, Fonseca’s representatives maintain that the incoming queen requested the formal handover be omitted—a decision the school has chosen to honor. In preparation for the 2027 Carnival, Grande Rio will hold a final competition for its samba-enredo on the 20th. Anitta is participating in this competition through a collaboration with composer Arlindinho. She has acknowledged the challenge of balancing her international career with the school's demands, stating, “If the people like our best, we stay. If not, it is fine, we will leave.” ## Claims - Virginia Fonseca will not participate in the crown passing ceremony for the next Grande Rio drum queen due to a request from the successor. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The Grande Rio samba school stated they were unaware of the reported crown passing ceremony. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The school has not officially defined who will occupy the position of the next drum queen. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Anitta is rumored to be the next drum queen for Grande Rio for the 2027 Carnival. (corroborated by 2 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-09: Anitta invites Viviane Araújo to her Grande Rio coronation Singer Anitta has invited Viviane Araújo to preside over her coronation as the new drum queen for the Grande Rio samba school, scheduled for September. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/anitta-invites-viviane-arajo-to-her-grande-rio-coronation ### 2026-09-04: Anitta named new Grande Rio Drum Queen for 2027 Carnival Singer Anitta has been named the new Drum Queen for the Grande Rio samba school for the 2027 Carnival, succeeding Virginia Fonseca. 33 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/grande-rio-drum-queen-crown-passing-ceremony-canceled ### 2026-08-31: Paolla Oliveira shares wardrobe struggles and Carnival plans Actress Paolla Oliveira shared humorous videos of her struggles with fitted clothing and announced her upcoming move to the Imperatriz Leopoldinense samba school for Carnival 2027. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/paolla-oliveira-shares-wardrobe-struggles-and-carnival-plans ### 2026-08-26: Paolla Oliveira prepares for new role amid Carnival rumors Actress Paolla Oliveira is preparing for a new role as a swimmer while facing speculation that she may become the new 'Rainha de Bateria' for the Imperatriz Leopoldinense samba school. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/paolla-oliveira-prepares-for-new-role-amid-carnival-rumors ### 2026-08-24: Paolla Oliveira to become Imperatriz Leopoldinense drum queen Actress Paolla Oliveira is expected to be announced as the new drum queen for Imperatriz Leopoldinense for Carnival 2027, after declining a return to Grande Rio. 23 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/paolla-oliveira-to-join-imperatriz-leopoldinense-for-2027-carnival ### 2026-08-21: Anitta to become Grande Rio drum queen for 2027 Carnival Singer Anitta is set to become the new drum queen for the Grande Rio samba school for the 2027 Carnival, replacing influencer Virginia Fonseca. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/anitta-expected-to-become-grande-rio-drum-queen-for-2027-carnival ### 2026-08-18: Anitta chosen as Grande Rio drum queen for 2027 Carnival Singer Anitta is set to become the new drum queen for the Grande Rio samba school for the 2027 Carnival, succeeding Virginia Fonseca after Paolla Oliveira declined the role. 16 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/paolla-oliveira-declines-return-as-grande-rio-drum-queen ### 2026-08-14: Virginia Fonseca leaves Grande Rio drum queen role Virginia Fonseca is leaving her role as Grande Rio's drum queen to focus on family and business. The move follows a controversy involving journalist Leo Dias and has sparked interest in Paolla Oliveira's return 14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/grande-rio-seeks-new-drum-queen-following-virginia-fonsecas-departure ### 2026-08-12: Virginia Fonseca leaves Grande Rio drum queen position Influencer Virginia Fonseca is stepping down as the drum queen of Grande Rio for the 2027 Carnival to focus on her family and businesses, though she plans to participate in future parades. 35 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/virginia-fonseca-draws-social-media-attention-over-business-activities ### 2026-07-27: Virginia Fonseca launches women‑only WE Gym in Goiânia Virginia Fonseca opened the women‑only WE Gym in Goiânia, charging R$ 259/month with a food‑donation waiver, a 37‑day cycle for menstrual periods, and profit donations to women’s charities. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/virginia-fonseca-launches-womenonly-we-gym-in-goinia --- Cite as: Anitta named Grande Rio Drum Queen for 2027 Carnival. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/virginia-fonseca-business-ventures-and-public-reception