Throughout history, music, art and culture have tended to be bountiful and resplendent wherever there is social struggle - Adversity and suffering are often channeled most powerfully through music and art, and in exchange, these forms provide people with invaluable avenues through which to transform their difficulties into something of pleasure and beauty.

From favelas' origins to the present day, music has been an integral part of the everyday lives, spirit and soul of community life - samba was born In, or at least in close connection with, favelas - Without Samba, there would be no carnival, and without carnival Rio would lack so much of the splendor and riches which make it the amazing place it is today.

Many of the most prolific and successful samba schools were born in the favelas of the city, such as Unidos da Tijuca, Mangueira and Portela.