Samba-Enredo 2023 - As Áfricas Que a Bahia Canta

The song 'Samba-Enredo 2023 - As Áfricas Que a Bahia Canta' by G.R.E.S. Estação Primeira de Mangueira is a rich celebration of Afro-Brazilian culture, history, and spirituality. The lyrics weave a narrative that honors the African roots of Brazilian culture, particularly through the lens of Bahia, a state known for its strong African heritage. The song opens with a powerful invocation to Exu, a deity in the Yoruba religion, asking for guidance and protection. This sets the tone for a journey through the cultural and spiritual landscapes that African descendants have cultivated in Brazil.

The lyrics emphasize the role of women as 'flechas da evolução' (arrows of evolution), highlighting their strength and resilience. The song pays homage to various orixás (deities) like Oyá and Oxum, and references traditional African instruments and rhythms, such as the atabaques and ijexá. These elements are not just cultural artifacts but symbols of resistance and identity. The mention of 'quilombo verde e rosa' (green and pink quilombo) ties Mangueira's colors to the historical quilombos, communities of escaped slaves who fought for freedom and autonomy.

Mangueira's samba also celebrates the artistic and rebellious spirit of Afro-Brazilian culture. The lyrics speak of recreating 'Áfricas' in Brazil, where art becomes a form of rebellion and survival. The song is a tribute to the enduring legacy of African culture in Brazil, from the 'cucumbis' (African warriors) to modern-day cultural icons like Olodum and the Filhos de Gandhi. The recurring refrain 'Eparrey, Oyá' is a call to the orixá Oyá, symbolizing the spiritual and cultural strength that sustains the community. The song culminates in a celebration of Carnaval, where the vibrant colors, rhythms, and dances of Afro-Brazilian culture take center stage, embodying the spirit of resistance, joy, and unity.