Jessica Martin and Nino are the new Beija-Flor interpreters after winning reality

After an intense and emotion-filled season, Nilópolis’s hummingbird already knows the new voices that will run its sound car from the next carnival. Jessica Martin and Nino were consecrated winners of the reality “The Voice of Carnival”, aired by Multishow and scheduled to debut at Globoplay in September.

The program marked the beginning of a new cycle at school, which for five decades had as its main interpreter Neguinho da Beija-Flor.

Created in partnership between Globo, the samba school, the AfroReggae group and the formata producer, reality had only four episodes. The program was led by actor Samuel de Assis and accompanied eight samba interpreters vying for the most symbolic post of Rio Carnival.

The selection process included technical challenges, live presentations on the Beija-Flor court, and detailed reviews made by experienced jurors.

Neguinho da Beija-Flor joined the fixed jury and was accompanied by Betinho Santos, music director of the school, and Simone Santana, Harmony’s director. They evaluated from the vocal technique to the connection of candidates with the Nilopolitan community. Consecrated samba names such as Xande de Pilares, Belo, Teresa Cristina and Dudu Nobre also participated as special guests throughout the competition.

The victory of Jessica and Nino was celebrated by both the public and the jurors. In addition to vocal power and charisma, the two were praised for respect for the history of the school and the tune with the community. “It is the Hummingbird DNA to keep the black protagonism and value the house’s offspring,” said Almir Reis, president of the association. “I have no doubt that Neguinho is irreplaceable, but the voices of Jessica and Nino will surely know how to honor this microphone and bring many joys to our Nilopolitan community.”

At 36, Jessica Martin has been part of Beija-Flor’s sound car for four years. Even without coming from a traditional samba community, she gained space with a remarkable stage and powerful voice. “I am here to lend my voice to this giant mission that is to represent the school and, above all, replace my master Neguinho. The community will support me and I can only repay with delivery and respect,” he said.

Already Nino has more than two decades of career and a deep trajectory with the school. He was part of Beija-Flor’s sound car between 2012 and 2017 and returned in 2025. Sprouched by Laíla, legendary Carnival director of the association, the singer is dear figure in the court and thrilled the audience by remembering his relationship with the school: “I often say that the hummingbird is where I forgot the problems. Being here, with this microphone, looks like a dream.”

“The Voice of Carnival” will be shown in September and promises to bring to fans of the parades a more intimate look at the universe of samba.