Neguinho da Beija-Flor, a revered samba singer in Brazil, will perform his last show at the Rio carnival after 50 years with Beija-Flor. His retirement, attributed to physical exhaustion from performance demands, underscores his dedication to music amidst personal struggles. As he prepares for his farewell, Neguinho reflects on his legacy and the emotional weight of his departure.
On the occasion of the Rio de Janeiro carnival, Neguinho da Beija-Flor, a distinguished samba singer aged 75, will perform for the final time. After leading 50 successive parades for the Beija-Flor samba school, his farewell marks the end of an era in Brazil’s rich musical tradition. Known as one of the most celebrated voices in samba, he expressed excitement for his forthcoming retirement, stating, “After this Monday’s parade, c’est fini.”
Neguinho, whose full name is Luiz Antônio Feliciano, announced his retirement due to the physical toll of performing. He explained that the demands of a samba-school singer are akin to those of a marathon runner and have only intensified with age. Through the years, he has maintained high energy during performances that attract an audience nearly double that of the renowned Maracanã stadium.
Hailing from Nova Iguaçu, Neguinho’s musical journey began at the age of 22 when he sang for a local samba bloc while serving in the air force. He embraced the affectionate use of ‘Neguinho,’ acknowledging the term’s complicated history. Neguinho has endured significant hardships related to racism but emphasizes the need to live, stating, “If I had spent my entire life fighting, I wouldn’t have had time to dedicate myself to my music and family.”
Neguinho’s breakthrough came in 1976 when he filled in for a fallen lead singer, propelling Beija-Flor to its first championship title. Over the subsequent decades, the school has secured 14 championships under his distinct vocal style and signature call, “Olha a Beija-Flor aí, gente!”. His association with Beija-Flor has remained steadfast throughout his career, a rarity in the professionalized structure of today’s carnival scene.
Despite the controversial ties of samba schools to illegal gambling networks known as bicheiros, Neguinho views their support as integral to the carnival’s prominence. He stated, “If it weren’t for the jogo do bicho, maybe today Rio’s carnival wouldn’t be the spectacle it is.” As he bids farewell, he remains connected to his art, planning to release a new album and continue performing outside the carnival circuit.
Although he appeared composed about his retirement, Neguinho became emotional during a recent rehearsal. He plans to express gratitude during his final performance by displaying a banner saying, “Thank you very much,” to avoid becoming too emotional to sing afterward. His intention is to conclude the evening by showcasing the banner and singing before stepping away from the stage permanently.
Neguinho da Beija-Flor’s retirement signifies the end of a cherished chapter in Brazilian samba music. After dedicating over fifty years to Beija-Flor, he is leaving behind a legacy of resilience and artistry. His final performance will not only celebrate his career but also the broader cultural history of samba in Brazil, underscoring his contributions to this vibrant art form.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
