Andreia Reis is the conductor of the Olodum Band and was one of the first women to join the group. “I was 12 years old. Because of the success of the song ‘Faraó Divindade do Egito,’ the kids from Taboão put together a makeshift band. We rehearsed every Saturday. One day, Mestre Neguinho do Samba walked by and heard the music. He was curious and went to see what it was. When he saw us rehearsing, he invited everyone to join Olodum. ‘I’m very proud of what I do; I feel like a winner’” — Andreia Reis.