Even as a toddler, Ailton Nunes was drawn to the joyful, energizing sounds of samba music, with its clinks, bongs, and bangs filling the air. It was part of his heritage and practically the heartbeat of his Mangueira neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. But samba was more than music; it was a way to connect with the past and dream of the future. And samba united not only Ailton’s neighborhood—it united all of Brazil, especially at the annual Carnaval festival with its samba parades and competition. The samba school in Ailton’s neighborhood was his home away from home. He was mesmerized by the drummers, the bateria, and dreamed of joining their ranks when he got older. And with hard work and determination, Ailton not only joins the Mangueira bateria, he helps lead them to victory at the Carnaval festival.

Vibrant, colorful artwork from Brazilian artist André Ceolin brings to life the story of samba director Mestre Ailton Nunes, who followed his passion and his dreams, and continues to share the magic of samba today.