SAMBA SQUAD

With Rick Lazar as grand referee, Toronto's Samba Squad brings Brazilian Carnaval-style parades to life, delighting festival-goers with vibrant rhythms and energetic performances. Expect a joyful noise created by a variety of drums, from the surdo's rumble to the cuica's squeak. Known for their precision, playful melodies, and infectious smiles, the 35+ member percussion group embodies the motto "One Heart, One Mind, One Groove." The squad celebrates cultural diversity, blending Afro-Brazilian, Afro-Cuban, African, funk, and hip-hop influences to create an unforgettable musical experience. Inspired by Rio’s Escola de Sambas, Salvador’s Afro Blocos, and Recife’s Maracatu nations, Samba Squad adds their own unique twist, delivering a high-energy performance that has become a Sunfest staple.