At 77 years old, Neguinho da Beija-Flor, interpreter of the Beija-Flor Samba School from Nilópolis for five uninterrupted decades, is celebrated with a musical that premieres at Teatro João Caetano, in downtown Rio de Janeiro. The production was written by Aydano André Motta and directed by Luiz Antonio Pilar, and covers everything from his humble childhood in Nova Iguaçu to his consecration as one of the biggest names in Brazilian samba.
The show features over 30 songs from the repertoire that marked his career, including "Menino de pé no chão" (Boy standing on the ground). Throughout his trajectory, Neguinho released over 40 albums and helped win 15 titles in the Special Group, the main division of Rio's carnival.
Neguinho himself was moved when watching the musical's rehearsals. According to him, the experience was so intense that he didn't know whether he should watch or cry. He said he ended up going to rehearsals only once so he wouldn't keep "making a fool of himself" in front of the actors, showing a mix of emotion and humor about the tribute.
Neguinho's reaction reveals how, despite decades of career and recognition, he still seems to look at his own trajectory with a certain disbelief. The musical represents a tribute worthy of his importance to samba and to Brazilian culture.
