The Quilombo Samba School, officially known as Grêmio Recreativo de Arte Negra Escola de Samba Quilombo, was established in 1975 by the renowned Brazilian composer Candeia. This school comprised influential figures in Brazilian music such as Clementina de Jesus and Paulinho da Viola, and it aimed to address and critique the increasing commercialization of the carnival, which transformed this important cultural event into a competitive spectacle rather than a celebration of Afro-Brazilian identity and tradition.

Candeia, who was a passionate advocate for racial equality and cultural heritage, expressed his viewpoints in his 1978 book "Escola de samba: a árvore que esqueceu a raiz", where he discussed the connections between racial struggle and the critique of commercial influences on popular festivities. This work served to articulate the sentiments of many in the Afro-Brazilian community who resisted the blending of commerce with cultural expression, a sentiment that resonates even today among activists and scholars.

With the construction of the sambódromo in 1984, the commercialization of carnival intensified, leading to further debates about the integrity of this cultural celebration. The Quilombo Samba School represents a vital part of Brazilian history, embodying the intersection of culture, race, and community activism, while also showcasing the ongoing struggle between cultural authenticity and market-driven celebrations.