Marília Mendonça, Brazilian singer and Latin Grammy winner, has died in a plane crash

Enlarge this image

Singer Marília Mendonça performs in Sao Jose dos Campos, Brazil, Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021.

Will Dias/AP

hide caption

toggle caption

Will Dias/AP

Music Features
In ‘Macho’ Brazil, Fast-Rising Star Marília Mendonça Is Inspiring Women To Push Back

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.

Soccer star Neymar and Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro offer condolences

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 album won her the 2019 Latin Grammy for best sertanejo album. She was nominated for the same award this year for her album 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.

• Marília Mendonça
• Brazil