Da Viola has earned this distinction numerous times. The melody is supposed to be simple and catchy, the two or three stanzas are supposed to deal with love, longing (saudade), the joys of samba or of the Carnival, and the chorus or refrain is expected to be a memorable crowd-pleaser that will be sung for weeks on the streets of the city. Unlike in Trinidad, for example, political commentary is not expected to be part of a traditional samba composition.
Da Viola has been recognized for this achievement many times. The melody is designed to be simple and catchy, with two or three stanzas addressing love, longing (saudade), the joys of samba or Carnival, and a chorus that will be memorable and sung widely in the streets. Unlike Trinidad, political commentary is not typically included in traditional samba compositions.