The iconic Brazilian Sertanejo duo Chitãozinho e Xororó recently reflected on their unforgettable moment sharing the stage with international superstar Bruno Mars. The event took place during Mars’s performance at the The Town festival held in São Paulo, where the duo captivated audiences for over five decades with their music. The opportunity arose when Mars’s keyboardist, John Fossitt, played their timeless hit, "Evidências," sending the crowd wild. This emotional performance prompted Mars to invite Chitãozinho e Xororó to join him for another show during his upcoming visit to Brazil, scheduled for 2024.
Chitãozinho recounted, "A música emociona, não tem como a gente não se manifestar. Tive essa mesma sensação agora com Bruno Mars. A gente começou a cantar, a plateia veio junto e ele estava do lado do palco. Quando ele sentiu aquela pressão, harmonia, a sensação, ele parou, olhou para trás, e ficou assim [parado]. De repente, ele está atrás de mim, fazendo assim [reverenciando] e aplaudindo." Sharing this moment on stage with such a powerful artist was a poignant reminder of the duo's enduring legacy and influence within both Brazilian music and the global stage.
Looking toward the future, Chitãozinho e Xororó are gearing up to release their latest album, "José e Durval," which diverges from their traditional Sertanejo roots by embracing elements of rock'n'roll. Chitãozinho expressed his desire to explore new musical directions, stating, "Como gosto muito de compor, preciso buscar referências diferentes para não ficar sempre na mesa, dentro do nosso segmento." He revealed his recent inspirations, including popular rock bands like Linkin Park, and mentioned his partner Teo’s long-time passion for rock, noting, "Ele é fã desde pequenininho do Sepultura..." This innovative approach reflects the duo's versatility, showcasing their commitment to evolve with the music industry.
Chitãozinho recalled how the Rock in Rio festival reached out to them for participation, especially emphasizing the rise of Sertanejo music. “O Rock in Rio é um festival completo, mas falta o sertanejo. A música sertaneja está preparada,” he declared, highlighting their belief in the genre's readiness to take center stage at such prestigious music events.
Meanwhile, the Sertanejo scene faced concerns with the recent health scare involving fellow artist Gusttavo Lima. The highly regarded singer was scheduled to perform at the Festival VillaMix but fell ill just before the show. Reports indicated he experienced significant gastrointestinal discomfort, leading to his hospitalization on December 21. According to Gusttavo Lima's management team, he arrived in Brazil earlier on the day of the event but began feeling unwell by early afternoon, requiring urgent medical attention.
His team communicated the updates via social media, stating, “Gusttavo Lima chegou ao Brasil na manhã de hoje exclusivamente para a realização do evento... no final da tarde, necessitou ser encaminhado para um hospital.” Lima is currently receiving treatment and observations at Vila Nova Star hospital, where medical staff reported his condition as stable. The hospital confirmed, “O quadro clínico é estável,” providing reassurance to his countless fans.
The occurrence of both triumphs and challenges within the Sertanejo community exemplifies the dynamic nature of Brazilian music. From the impactful stages shared with international artists to the heartfelt community support surrounding artists during health crises, these events shape not only the artists' lives but also the cultural fabric of Brazil's music scene.
