Neguinho da Beija-Flor Bids Farewell to Samba after 50 Years of Performance

Neguinho da Beija-Flor, a prominent samba singer in Brazil, is retiring after 50 years of leading parades for the Beija-Flor samba school. His final performance will take place during Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival at the Marquês de Sapucaí Sambadrome. He cites exhaustion as the reason for his retirement, reflecting on both his struggles with racism and his dedication to music and family. Neguinho’s legacy is marked by 14 championship titles and a memorable connection with the samba community.

As the renowned Rio de Janeiro Carnival unfolds, Neguinho da Beija-Flor, the iconic samba singer, prepares for his final performance at the Marquês de Sapucaí Sambadrome. At 75, he retires after leading 50 consecutive parades for the Beija-Flor samba school, a prestigious institution in Brazil’s carnival culture. His departure marks the end of an era for samba, with Neguinho being the most recognizable voice in the elite carnival scene.

Neguinho announced his retirement in November, surprising many within the samba community. He expressed his exhaustion from the demanding role of a samba singer, likening it to the stamina needed by marathon runners. Maintaining audience energy during a parade is challenging, especially as he ages.

Born Luiz Antônio Feliciano in a disadvantaged area of greater Rio, he began his career at the age of 22. He adopted the nickname “Neguinho,” which, while often used derogatorily, holds affectionate connotations among Afro-Brazilians. He highlighted the importance of balancing the struggles with a desire to live a fulfilling life dedicated to music and family.

Neguinho’s breakthrough came in 1976 when he filled in for a deceased singer, leading Beija-Flor to its first championship victory. Since then, the school has won 14 titles under his leadership, with his memorable battle cry, “Olha a Beija-Flor aí, gente!” being iconic within the community. The school’s success has also been aided by the financial backing of local gambling figures, a practice rooted in Brazil’s carnival culture.

Despite Neguinho’s long-standing association with Beija-Flor, he has maintained a unique consistency rare in today’s professionalized carnival landscape. Observers note that his farewell signifies the end of a romanticized phase in samba history. Notably, he has not drawn a salary from the carnival school but has supplemented his income through performances outside the carnival season.

As he approaches his final performance, Neguinho reflects emotionally on his decision. He plans to express gratitude during his final act by revealing a banner saying, “Thank you very much,” which his therapist suggested to ease his sentimentality. Following the parade, he plans to leave quietly, marking a significant moment in samba history.

Neguinho da Beija-Flor’s retirement symbolizes a pivotal moment in Rio de Janeiro’s samba culture, concluding 50 years of influence and performance. His journey from a young singer to an iconic figure illustrates both personal resilience and the complexities of a celebrated career intertwined with societal issues. As he bids farewell, Neguinho leaves behind a legacy marked by passion, triumph, and significant contributions to Brazil’s rich cultural tapestry.

Original Source: www.theguardian.com