Experience the Art of Brazilian Culture

Brazilian Samba. Culture. Community. Female Leadership.

Founded in London in 2024 by Brazilian dancer and cultural leader Liani Devito, Império da Rainha is an award-winning Brazilian School of Samba and a registered Community Interest Company (CIC).

As a female-led samba school, Império da Rainha was created with a vision to celebrate authentic Brazilian samba, promote Afro-Brazilian cultural heritage and build a vibrant, inclusive community in London.

Originally from Santos, São Paulo, Liani has longstanding connections with Rio de Janeiro's Carnival traditions and is a passista at Acadêmicos do Salgueiro, one of Brazil's most renowned samba schools.

Under her leadership, and with the dedication of our musicians, dancers, artists and volunteers, Império da Rainha has grown into a recognised presence within London's Brazilian Carnival community.

In just three Carnival seasons, Império da Rainha has achieved:

• 2024: Third Place — Notting Hill Carnival Brazilian Band Competition
• 2025: First Place — Best Brazilian Band
• 2026: First Place — Best Brazilian Band (Back-to-Back Champions!)

These achievements reflect our commitment to artistic excellence, cultural authenticity, creativity and collective dedication.

Our mission is to preserve, celebrate and share Brazilian samba and Afro-Brazilian cultural traditions through education, artistic expression and community participation.

Through samba dance, live percussion, costume making, cultural workshops, performances and Notting Hill Carnival, we create opportunities for people to experience the richness of Brazilian culture beyond music and dance.

We are committed to promoting inclusion, cultural exchange, creativity, confidence and community well-being, while maintaining meaningful connections with the traditions of Rio de Janeiro's samba schools.

As a registered Community Interest Company (CIC), Império da Rainha operates for community benefit rather than private profit.

Income generated through our activities helps sustain the school, support cultural education and develop opportunities for community participation.

We believe samba is more than entertainment. It is a living cultural heritage that brings people together, celebrates identity and creates a sense of belonging.

Whether you're discovering Brazilian samba for the first time or you're an experienced dancer or musician, Império da Rainha is a place to learn, create, participate and belong.

Experience Brazilian samba culture in London. 

Feel the rhythm. 

Be part of our community.

Viva o Samba! Viva Império da Rainha!

Império da Rainha CIC | Company No. 16936182