Queen of drums, Savia David attracted attention when she appeared with an unusual costume, made entirely of iron and weighing 27 kg, during her recent performance at Estrela do Terceiro Milênio, at the Fábrica do Samba, in São Paulo. The look, created to represent a slave, covers his body with chains and brings a strong symbolic charge, inspired by the ancestry that guides his trajectory during carnival.
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“My costume has neither stones nor diamonds. I represent slaves, figures frequently mentioned in the compositions of Paulo César Pinheiro, this year’s winner. The production is rich in symbolism and details, such as the nagô braids, which in the past served as an escape card or even to hide seeds. The intention is to recognize pain, but also to celebrate the resistance and strength of those who came before us. Carnival is above all an expression of identity, struggle and resistance,” explains Savia.
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The businesswoman and influencer highlights the complexity of the concept and the physical challenges involved in its realization. “Samba wearing 12 cm heels and the body covered in iron chains was a big challenge. But I always look to incorporate alternative materials, bringing history, representation and accessibility to people who don’t have as many resources to invest in costumes,” he says.
Preparation and focus on the natural body
A former bodybuilder, Savia maintains a rigorous workout routine and a balanced diet. “My preparation is done all year round (laughs). I have a very busy schedule, so I concentrate on bodybuilding and private samba lessons, which help to improve resistance,” he says. The influencer specifies that this year, she is allowing herself a little more freedom with her diet: “I am calm, without restrictions. Of course, maybe I will intensify my diet in the last few weeks, but for now, I will allow myself a pizza.”
Although she already has a very low fat percentage, Savia explains that today she is focusing on natural. “I think I’m at about 18%. I already showed at 9%, but that was another phase. Now my goal is not to be dry, but to show a more natural body, with more curves. If cellulite or localized fat appears, that’s fine with me,” she says.
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Empowerment and breaking norms
Savia also shares her views on beauty standards imposed by society. “I am an empowered woman and I am not what others say. I decide if I want to look slimmer, more toned or more natural. For me, that is emotional intelligence,” she says, emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance and the freedom to choose your own body.
Another point that the influencer defends is the appreciation of curly hair. “My black hair is my trademark, my crown and an act of resistance. Society, often racist, tries to impose a standard of beauty that devalues us. I show, in practice, that curly hair is elegant, beautiful and represents strength, serving as a reference for girls in the community,” concludes Savia.
Tribute to Paulo César Pinheiro
During the 2026 carnival, the Star of the Third Millennium will pay tribute to the composer Paulo César Pinheiro with the plot “Today poetry comes to meet us: Paulo César Pinheiro, a journey through the life and work of the poet of songs”. The plot will address slavery, present in several of his compositions, such as “Galanga, Chico-Rei”, which tells the story of the enslaved African king who becomes a symbol of resistance, and in songs like “Toque de São Bento Grande de Angola”.