Died this Thursday (20), at the age of 91, singer Elza Soares, one of the most recognized and acclaimed names in MPB. The information was confirmed in a note signed by the artist’s press office. According to the team, Elza died in the afternoon and at home, in Rio de Janeiro (RJ), due to natural causes.
“Icon of Brazilian music, considered one of the greatest artists in the world, the singer elected as the Voice of the Millennium had an apotheotic, intense life, which moved the world with her voice, her strength and her determination”, described the statement.
::Interview, 2016 | “I’m here as an example for those who don’t have the courage to fight”, says Elza Soares::
“The beloved and eternal Elza rested, but will forever be in the history of music and in our hearts and the thousands of fans around the world. Elza Soares’ wishes were done: she sang until the end”, adds the team.
The carioca had her own light and began her artistic journey in the late 1950s. An internationally renowned artist, Elza shone on stages in different parts of the world. In all, he released 34 albums, which delighted the public by dialoguing with different rhythms, including samba, jazz and hip hop.
The singer was also known for her progressive and human rights stances. Among other things, he demanded justice for the death of councilor Marielle Franco and spoke out against racial inequality, engaging in the fight against racism.
She also extolled, on several occasions, black feminism and inspired many other women. “I’m here to serve as an example for many people who don’t have the courage to fight and who stop halfway. We’re not leaving. You can’t stop halfway, no. We have to leave the doors open for everyone “, he said, in an interview with Brasil de Fato in 2016.
turbulence
Elza also had a turbulent personal life marked by tragedies. Among other things, she was forced to marry at the age of 11 and lost her first two children as babies, who died of malnutrition, victims of the poverty that punished the life of the carioca.
“Never met a woman like her, never [conheci] someone who inspired me so much and inspired so many people, someone who had a biography that everything was going to go wrong,” journalist Zeca Camargo, the singer’s biographer, said on Instagram.
In his words, “Elza shouldn’t have existed.” “Life played against Elza Soares all her life. Everything was an obstacle in her life and the more she heard ‘no’, the more she became stronger and the more she became another person”, added the journalist.
Artists and Lula mourn death
Several artists mourned the singer’s death this Thursday (20). “Elza, Elza, Elza. Only tears right now. So much that I wanted to say and thank you, but there are not enough words that can express how much we feel about your departure. Thank you for inspiring so much and for never shutting up. Thank you, Goddess major”, said the actor Lázaro Ramos, via Instagram.
“An easily estimable loss: one of the greatest in our country rests, representing the resistance and resilience of its people. Dona Elza, mission accomplished! And now our mission begins: to always celebrate it”, exclaimed the singer Maria Rita, on the same social network.
an easily estimable loss: one of the greatest in our country rests, representing the resistance and resilience of its people.
dona elza, mission accomplished!
and now our mission begins: always celebrate it!
may this incredible woman of Light be received at a party…!
✨💖✨
– Maria Rita (@MariaRita) January 20, 2022
On Twitter, Zélia Duncan recalled that Elza died on the same day as Garrincha, a famous football player who died in 1983 and lived in a relationship with the singer. “It rains so hard outside. There is no drop that you don’t feel”, added the artist.
Elza Soares left, on the same day as Garrincha…it rains so hard outside there is no drop that you can’t feel. 🥲
— Zélia Duncan 🏳️🌈 (@zeliaduncan) January 20, 2022
Former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) also expressed his grief through social media. See below.
With great sadness we received today the news of the departure of our dear Elza Soares.
We lost not only one of the best singers and most powerful voices in Brazil, but also a great woman, who has always defended democracy and good causes.
Photo: @ricardostuckert pic.twitter.com/kQazDvvLZl— Lula (@LulaOficial) January 20, 2022
Editing: Vinicius Segalla
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