Neguinho da Beija-Flor, a celebrated samba singer, is set to retire after 50 successful years leading parades. Known for his distinctive voice and significant contributions to Rio’s carnival culture, he cites exhaustion as the reason for his departure. His career has been marked by both triumph and challenges, including personal experiences with racism. Despite retiring, he plans to continue making music through albums and performances outside of the carnival season.
As Rio de Janeiro’s iconic carnival unfolds, samba star Neguinho da Beija-Flor prepares for his final performance at 75. Known as one of Brazil’s prominent samba singers, he will conclude a remarkable 50-year legacy of leading parades for the Beija-Flor samba school. Despite the excitement, he expresses relief at the thought of retirement, emphasizing the physical demands of his role. Neguinho’s health struggles fueled his decision, noting that maintaining audience energy during parades is a grueling task that has intensified with age.
Neguinho, born Luiz Antônio Feliciano in the impoverished region of Nova Iguaçu, embarked on his samba career at 22. The nickname Neguinho, while sometimes pejorative, holds affectionate value among Afro-Brazilians, which he embraced. He reflects on his journey, acknowledging the hardships he faced with racism, balancing personal passion for music, and family.
His rise to fame began in 1976 when he filled in as a lead singer, resulting in Beija-Flor’s first championship win. Over the decades, the school has claimed 14 titles, with Neguinho’s distinct voice and signature exclamation defining its identity. Financial backing, controversial due to ties to illegal gambling, has been crucial for samba schools’ success, yet Neguinho remains positive about its impact.
Having only sung for Beija-Flor, Neguinho defies the trend of performers frequently switching schools. His farewell marks a poignant transition for Rio’s carnival, with many lamenting the end of a beloved era. Prominent figures recognize his unmatched presence and the emotional response to his retirement announcement, reinforcing his status in samba history.
Though Neguinho has never drawn a salary from Beija-Flor, he sustains his career through other musical engagements. He plans to release a new album and perform outside the carnival scene. Emotional during his final rehearsals, he aims to bid farewell without losing composure, suggesting he may present a simple gratitude banner before departing after his last set.
In sum, Neguinho da Beija-Flor’s retirement marks the conclusion of a significant era in Brazil’s samba culture. After 50 years of influential performances, his decision reflects the challenges of age and stamina in a demanding career. While his absence will be felt deeply, Neguinho’s legacy continues through future projects and the generations of samba artists inspired by his journey.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
