On February 16, the renowned Afoxé group Filhos de Gandhy publicly called out singer Bell Marques for a delayed start to his performance scheduled for 4 PM in the Salvador carnival circuit. This complaint came a day after Bell had criticized the Olodum band for their own delays during the festival. A spokesperson for Filhos de Gandhy took to the microphone to urge respect from the artist, emphasizing that they had an agreement with him regarding the timing of the performance, which only exacerbated tensions among festival-goers attending Marques' show.

As the delay unfolded, attendees of the Camaleão bloc, led by Bell Marques, expressed their frustration in response to the comments made by Filhos de Gandhy's spokesman, showcasing the high emotions and expectations prevalent during carnival festivities. When Marques eventually began his performance, he defended himself against the criticisms by asserting that he was, in fact, still within the scheduled time, claiming it was 3:53 PM when he took the stage. This incident highlights the pressures and challenges performers face during the dynamic and often chaotic carnival environment.

The incident underscores larger themes of accountability and respect in the vibrant carnival culture. With various groups vying for attention and schedules tightly packed, the tensions between artists and traditional cultural organizations like Filhos de Gandhy can lead to public disputes that resonate beyond the stage. Moreover, Bell's assertion that his block is among those that are least likely to run late at the carnival reveals a competitive spirit that defines this significant annual event in Brazilian culture.