Society

The impact of Marília Mendonça’s death on Brazilian music

The 26-year-old singer was an icon for many, helping to launch a new wave of empowering popular Brazilian music. She died in a plane crash on Friday afternoon

Marilia Mendonça performing in November 2017. Photo: Adriano Vizoni/Folhapress

Brazil’s “Queen of Suffering” has died at the age of 26. Marília Mendonça was flying in a small charter plane to the city of Caratinga, in the southeastern state of Minas Gerais, where she was set to perform a concert. The plane crashed killing all passengers aboard. Ms. Mendonça leaves behind an infant son and dozens of millions of fans.

Ms. Mendonça grew up in Goiânia, the heartland of sertanejo, Brazil’s answer to country music. Like in the U.S., sertanejo moved from being considered somewhat corny and idiosyncratic to becoming a mainstream sensation — at times indistinguishable from pop music. Sertanejo artists such as Gusttavo Lima or Michel Teló found international success, selling millions of albums and headlining sold-out shows.

As sertanejo grew in...

Don't miss this opportunity!

Interested in staying updated on Brazil and Latin America? Subscribe to start receiving our reports now!