
Audio By Carbonatix
Marília Mendonça, one of Brazil’s most popular singers and a Latin Grammy winner, died Friday in an airplane crash on her way to a concert. She was 26.
Mendonça’s press office confirmed her death in a statement and said four other passengers on the flight also perished.
Their plane crashed between Mendonça’s hometown Goiania and Caratinga, a small city in Minas Gerais state located north of Rio de Janeiro.
Minas Gerais state’s civil police also confirmed Mendonça’s death, without providing details about the cause of the accident, which occurred shortly before arrival.
Photographs and videos show the plane laying just beneath a waterfall; Mendonça had posted a video this afternoon showing her walking toward the plane, guitar case in hand.
The rising star performed country music, in Brazil called sertanejo. She was known for tackling feminist issues in her songs, such as denouncing men who control their partners, and calling for female empowerment.
On Friday evening, the news triggered an outpouring of sadness on social media from all corners of Brazil, including fans, politicians, musicians and soccer players. Her Instagram account has 38 million followers.
“I refuse to believe, I just refuse,” Brazil soccer star Neymar, who is a friend of Mendonça's, said on Twitter after the news broke. Brazil's government also offered its condolences.
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro also used social media to mourn the passing “of one of the greatest artists of her generation.”
“The entire country receives the news in shock,” he said.
Her album “Em Todos os Cantos” won her the 2019 Latin Grammy for best sertanejo album. She was nominated for the same award this year for “Patroas.”
Mendonça was also famous for her romantic songs, often expressing the loss of loved ones.
“You always make me cry, you’re unique and eternal,” said fan Michelle Wisla on Twitter.
Mendonça leaves behind a son, who will turn 2 years old next month.
Latest Stories
-
High Court declines bid to adjourn Adu Boahene trial pending SC review on legal vacation ruling
11 minutes -
ECG trains 23 Ashanti engineers to detect equipment faults before outages
14 minutes -
Mahama calls for stronger health regulation to protect patients across Africa
15 minutes -
Ghana’s rent prices remain high despite lower inflation – TUC official
17 minutes -
Ghana’s low-wage structure rooted in colonial labour system — TUC’s Dr Otoo
24 minutes -
First National Bank Ghana pioneers financial literacy programme for Persons with Disabilities
52 minutes -
Assembly members demand Bosomtwe DCE’s removal over alleged overspending, DRIP misuse
52 minutes -
‘Mature’ Danlad ready to make impact after Kotoko return
53 minutes -
GES investigates alleged sexual misconduct involving Mim SHS security officer
58 minutes -
Uncontrolled market pricing driving Ghana’s high cost of living — TUC’s Dr Otoo
1 hour -
TOR’s revival and Ghana’s Petroleum Hub dream
1 hour -
“We will not borrow simply because financing is available” – Ato Forson
2 hours -
Morgan International Community School marks 13th anniversary, celebrates 10th graduating class
2 hours -
Passport application website temporarily unavailable due to technical challenges
2 hours -
Bond market: Activity weakens as turnover fell by 58%
2 hours