Candeia, a seminal figure in Brazilian samba, was renowned for his deep commitment to preserving the genre's rich traditions. His final album, "Axé - Gente Amiga do Samba," released posthumously in 1978, stands as a testament to this dedication. The album features collaborations with iconic artists, including Dona Ivone Lara, the first woman to compose a samba-enredo and a trailblazer in the samba community. Their joint efforts on this album highlight a shared passion for authentic samba, blending Candeia's profound compositions with Dona Ivone Lara's pioneering spirit, thereby enriching Brazil's musical heritage. ([pt.wikipedia.org](https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ax%C3%A9_-_Gente_Amiga_do_Samba?utm_source=openai))