Celebrities, politicians and football teams mourn the death of Elza Soares

Singer Elza Soares died at the age of 91, of natural causes, at her home in Rio de Janeiro, this Thursday (20). The news of the artist’s death was published on her official Instagram account and several celebrities, politicians and football teams mourned the loss.

Singer Caetano Veloso wrote on Twitter that Elza died “in the glory to which she was entitled, at a respectable age, affirming the possible greatness of Brazil”. In another post on the network, he highlighted that he composed the samba-rap “Língua” and invited her to sing the melodic part.

“So she returned to singing and receiving attention. She returned to television and, later, figures as diverse as Lobão and Zé Miguel Wisnik insisted on working with her.”

The presenter Fernanda Gentil commented: “Our lady of God have her”. The singer Luisa Sonza wrote: “My God, eternal”. Actress Viviane Araújo defined the singer as a “diva”.​

Actor Marcelo Médici highlighted that Elza was “one of the greatest singers in the world”. Funk singer Tati Quebra Barraco declared her love for the artist: “I love you forever”. Comedian Marcelo Adnet also mourned the singer’s death. “Goosebumps. Our goddess Elza Soare is gone,” he wrote on Twitter.

State deputy Alexandre Padilha (PT-SP) commented that the artist’s death leaves Brazilians orphans. “Culture, freedom and Brazil are in mourning! The loss of Elza Soares leaves Brazil –and us Brazilians– orphans of one of the greatest artists that ever lived. Her life will be sung to all winds and for all our close ones generations”, said Padilha.

Football teams such as Palmeiras and Flamengo also published notes of condolence for the artist’s death. Flamengo published a photo of the singer on Twitter wearing a team shirt, which she was a fan.

“The Clube de Regatas do Flamengo deeply regrets the death of the magnificent singer Elza Soares. Red-black at heart, she left us on the same day that the star Garrincha, her great love, passed away 39 years ago.”

The administrator of the official Palmeiras Twitter account also offered condolences to family and friends. “With regret, we received the news of the death of singer Elza Soares, icon of Brazilian music. We deeply regret and offer condolences to family, friends and fans at this difficult time.”

On Twitter, MTST leader Guilherme Boulos (PSOL) spoke about the singer’s death and her trajectory. “Elza Soares is the synthesis of a country built by strong black women. She did everything and a little more for our music and our culture. Go in peace, giant!”

Former São Paulo mayor Fernando Haddad (PT) also used social media to mourn the artist’s death. “Too much courage, the voice of crowds. It will be missed,” wrote Haddad, who shared a photo of the artist with her finger in her mouth asking for silence.

The mayor of Rio de Janeiro Eduardo Paes (PSD) on Instagram a video of the singer asking for votes for him in the last elections. In the caption of the post, he wrote that the life story of Elza Soares is incredible.

“How sad. This woman’s life story is simply incredible. Our ‘voice of the millennium’ left us today. I had the honor of counting on the support of Elza Soares, a reference in Brazilian culture. My feelings to relatives, friends and huge legion of Elza fans!”