‘Samba is politics’: struggle for Brazil’s future invades its dancefloors

Outcry as club that is symbol of black resistance finds itself at the centre of politically charged squabble over Bolsonaro's far-right government

The beer-soaked samba session was drawing to a close and, as usual, the crowd was preparing to vent its spleen.

As percussionists from one of Rio's top samba groups hammered their tamborins and tantas, revelers raised their glasses and let out loud, cathartic cheers demanding the removal of a president they despise. Fora Bolsonaro!" jeered the sweat-drenched throng. Bolsonaro out!"