The Ribeirão Rodeo Music 2025 kicked off with a spectacular first night on Saturday, April 26, 2025, in Ribeirão Preto, SP, showcasing a vibrant mix of music and emotions. This annual festival, part of the Circuito Sertanejo, featured performances from a lineup of popular artists, including Ana Castela, Matheus e Kauan, Dennis, and Felipe e Rodrigo, alongside a heartfelt tribute to the legendary duo Lourenço e Lourival.
Ana Castela, known as the "boiadeira mais querida do Brasil," opened the festivities with an electrifying performance that had the audience singing along to her hits. She started her show with "Pipoco," a song that introduced her to Brazil in 2022, and continued with fan favorites like "As Menina da Pecuária" and "Bombonzinho." The energy was palpable as she engaged the crowd, even performing barefoot for part of her set due to a slippery stage caused by earlier rain. "Ah, well better," she expressed, relieved to ditch her boots after a risky moonwalk attempt.
The festival's main stage was alive with excitement as Matheus e Kauan took their turn, debuting their much-anticipated 'envolvente' tour in Ribeirão Preto. In a backstage chat with Billboard Brasil, they shared their enthusiasm for finally presenting this tour, which promises to be a highlight of the festival season.
Meanwhile, DJ Dennis brought a unique blend of funk and sertanejo to the event, keeping the energy high with his infectious beats. He mixed traditional sertanejo hits with contemporary funk tracks, ensuring that the audience remained energized well into the early hours. Felipe e Rodrigo wrapped up the first night with a sunrise performance, delighting the crowd with their popular songs, including "Gosta de Rua" and "Banquinho."
In a touching moment, the festival also honored Lourenço e Lourival, a duo with over 65 years of career, who performed on the Raiz stage. Their set included classics like "Se Ainda Existe Amor" and "Cavalo Preto," and they were presented with a silver plaque by the event organizers and the Municipal Prefecture of Ribeirão Preto, recognizing their contributions to Brazilian music.
Ana Castela's performance was not just about her own hits; she also paid tribute to sertanejo icons by interpreting classics from artists like Matogrosso & Mathias and Chrystian & Ralf. Her versatility shone through as she included songs from various genres, such as "Mulher de Fases" by Raimundos and "Praieiro" by Jammil, showcasing her broad musical influences.
Reflecting on her journey, Ana Castela also reminisced about her past onstage moments, including a public reconciliation with fellow artist Gustavo Mioto during the previous year's festival. Their relationship, which had a brief rekindling, was a poignant memory for many fans in attendance.
The first night of the Ribeirão Rodeo Music 2025 was not just a concert; it was a celebration of music, culture, and community. The event's production was nothing short of impressive, featuring high-definition LED panels and a state-of-the-art lighting system that enhanced the overall experience. The visual effects synchronized with the music created an immersive atmosphere that captivated the audience.
As the festival continues, attendees can look forward to more performances from renowned artists. The next shows scheduled for Wednesday, April 30, 2025, will feature Chitãozinho & Xororó, Hugo & Guilherme, Alok, and Bruninho & Davi. Following that, the festival will host Zezé di Camargo & Luciano, Zé Neto & Cristiano, Nattan, and Diego & Arnaldo on May 2, and conclude with Jorge & Mateus, Luan Santana, Murilo Huff, and Clayton & Romário on May 3.
The Ribeirão Rodeo Music has firmly established itself as one of Brazil's premier sertanejo events, attracting fans from all over the country. With its mix of traditional and contemporary performances, the festival promises to deliver unforgettable experiences for all attendees. As the opening night demonstrated, the energy, talent, and passion for music are alive and well in Ribeirão Preto.
