Paraíso do Tuiuti, a samba school from São Cristóvão, plans to present a samba for the 2026 Carnival that includes ritual expressions in Yoruba, an African language preserved in Brazil, particularly through African-rooted religions. The theme, 'Lonã Ifá Lukumí,' aims to trace the historical, religious, and philosophical development of the Ifá tradition from West Africa to the Caribbean and its eventual arrival in Brazil. Experts were consulted to elucidate the meaning of the Yoruba expressions used within the samba and provide context for the narrative.

The samba, co-authored by Cláudio Russo, Gustavo Clarão, and Luiz Antonio Simas, utilizes Yoruba verses as both a narrative and spiritual axis of the piece. The inclusion of Yoruba language is deeply tied to the theme of Ifá, which is fundamentally linked to Yoruba religious traditions, especially significant in the diaspora in Cuba. Simas noted that the use of Yoruba is appropriate given the cultural and historical connections of the tradition being honored in the samba.

Understanding Yoruba's significance goes beyond mere language, as it is heavily associated with religious rituals. The upcoming samba performance not only showcases artistic expression but also serves as a tribute to the rich historical legacy and cultural import of the Yoruba people in Brazil, aiming to educate and engage audiences about their importance in the Afro-Brazilian context.