Ideval Anselmo, who died on February 18, 2026, at the age of 85, was a significant figure in São Paulo's samba culture. His death post-Carnival marks a loss for the samba community, as he was known for his incredible contributions to samba-enredo, the genre associated with Carnival parades. Anselmo's passing was reported as a major event in the city, reflecting the impact he had on the local music scene.

Born in Catanduva and raised in Votuporanga, Ideval moved to São Paulo at the age of 18, where he became one of the most recognized composers of samba-enredo in the city. His work defined the sound of samba during Carnival, earning him praise and recognition. A testament to his immense talent is the samba-enredo "Narainã – Alvorada dos pássaros," which he co-composed for the Camisa Verde e Branco samba school and which has continued to be celebrated, even being re-recorded by singer Fabiana Cozza years later.

Anselmo's influence on samba culture in São Paulo extends beyond just his compositions; his legacy shapes the narrative of samba's evolution during a time when it serves as a crucial expression of cultural identity. The homage paid by various artists and fans echoes how intertwined his music was with the life and celebrations of the city, emphasizing that he will be remembered as one of the greatest samba composers of his time and a cultural icon.