in recent years, olodum achieved international stardom and widespread popularity after recording in rio's favela santa marta the song and video they do not care about us, with michael jackson, and the album the rhythm of the saints, with paul simon.

serious in tone, and without any irony or sarcasm typical of other carnival blocos, blocos afros have a clear political message- they fight against racism and to affirm black identity.

in fact, even though thy parade during carnival, afro blocos are distinguished by the words 'bloco afro carnavalesco cultural' in front of their name, reflecting their existence as organizations cultural in nature.