Marília Mendonça was one of Brazil’s most influential singers and songwriters, known as the “Queen of Suffering.” Her distinctive voice and lyrics that touched the hearts of millions of Brazilians made her an icon of sertanejo music. Marília not only captivated audiences with her authenticity and charisma but also revolutionized the genre by giving voice to the pains and joys of women in a novel way.

In a short time, she became one of the most listened-to artists in Brazil, breaking records and winning numerous awards. Her career was meteoric, and her music continues to resonate even after her tragic passing in 2021.

In this text, we will explore some curiosities about the life and career of this unique artist, from her childhood and the beginning of her musical journey to the behind-the-scenes of her successes and the lasting impact she left on Brazilian music.

1 – BEGINNING OF HER CAREER

Marília Mendonça’s career began with early talent and an unwavering passion for music. Born in Cristianópolis, Goiás, in 1995, Marília started composing in her teenage years.

Her gift for writing deep and engaging lyrics soon caught the attention of other sertanejo artists, who began recording her compositions. By the age of 12, she was already involved in the music world, but it was at 15 that her career as a songwriter truly took off.

2 – FIRST DVD AND SOLD-OUT TICKETS

Marília Mendonça’s first project was recorded in a small studio by Eduardo Pepato, with less than 40 square meters and a maximum audience of 12 people, consisting of composer friends.

At the end of 2015, she released her first DVD with modest expectations. However, during her first show in Goiânia, Marília was surprised when the tickets sold out a week before the performance.

3 – ONE OF THE TOP FEMALE VOICES

Marília Mendonça was recognized as one of the leading voices in feminejo, helping to strengthen this subgenre of sertanejo that openly addresses female independence. In the music scene, she stood out for her authenticity and charisma, which were evident in her songs.

Despite this, her music was not limited to personal topics, maintaining a clear distinction between her personal life and the themes addressed in her lyrics.

4 – SURPASSING ADELE!

Marília even surpassed artists like Adele in YouTube views in Brazil.

5 – “I’M NOT DIFFERENT”

Even though she was very young, Marília Mendonça always had a clear vision of what she wanted for her career as a singer. For her, the essential thing was to connect with women in a way that did not provoke jealousy.

“Women need to see me as one of them. I wake up, brush my teeth, eat, sleep, and suffer like anyone else. I really want them to relate to me because I’m not different”, Marília said.

6 – DOING THE SAME THINGS AS MEN

In her lyrics, Marília emphasizes that women should not feel guilty for behaving in the same way as men.

7 – MARÍLIA SUPPORTED BREGA

Marília also did not come from sertanejo and always wanted to stay close to forró and brega. “There is no music that communicates more directly with the audience than brega; it is something very everyday and genuine,” she comments.

8 – SUCCESSFUL ALBUMS

Marília released several successful albums, including “Realidade” and “Sobre Live,” which were well received by critics and the public. In 2019, Marília Mendonça won the Latin Grammy for Best Sertanejo Album for “Em Todos os Cantos.”

9 – HONOR MURAL

In 2020, the city of Goiânia honored Marília Mendonça with a mural in her honor.

10 – PREMATURE DEATH

Marília Mendonça’s death on November 5, 2021, was a shock to Brazil and left an irreplaceable gap in sertanejo music. The singer passed away at the age of 26 in a tragic plane crash in the interior of Minas Gerais while on her way to a show in Caratinga. The aircraft, a twin-engine plane, crashed near a waterfall during landing, killing Marília, her uncle and assistant, producer Henrique Ribeiro, the pilot, and the co-pilot.

The news shook the country, generating a wave of mourning on social media and in the media. Millions of fans, colleagues, and admirers mourned the loss of the artist who, despite her youth, had already established herself as one of the greatest voices in Brazilian music.

The wake, held in Goiânia, gathered thousands of people, including fans, friends, and family, who bid farewell with emotion and tributes. Even after her death, Marília Mendonça’s legacy remains alive, with her music being remembered and celebrated by generations.

11 – THE WORLD MOURNED THE SINGER’S DEATH

The death of the sertanejo singer in November 2021 caused a massive outpouring of grief not only in Brazil but also in various countries, gaining prominence in major international media outlets. The American newspaper “The New York Times” featured a photo of Marília Mendonça on its front page, referring to her as the “Queen of Suffering.” The publication highlighted that “her fans were empowered by her lyrics, which encouraged women to reject toxic and abusive relationships, telling stories of imperfect characters”.

The British broadcaster “BBC” also emphasized the impact of Marília Mendonça’s death and her importance in Brazilian music. The report noted that she had won a Latin Grammy in 2019, especially for composing music focused on the female experience. In India, the news also resonated widely, with the singer being described as the “Queen of Pain”.

The Indian press associated her death with the concept of rajas tendencies in Hindu philosophy, which relate to pain and suffering.

Additionally, the fact that Marília’s death occurred during the week of the Kali Puja festival led some Indians to see the event as an intervention by the goddess Kali.

12 – CONTINUING TO BREAK RECORDS

Even after her death, Marília Mendonça continues to leave her mark on music history. According to Spotify, she became the first Brazilian artist to reach 10 billion streams on the platform.

By April 2024, this number had surpassed 12 billion.
This achievement was not the first highlight for the “Queen of Suffering.” In 2022, Marília topped the list of the five most-listened-to artists in Brazil, solidifying her legacy and influence on national music.

Marília Mendonça was an iconic sertanejo artist whose journey and legacy continue to inspire and move many. Her unique ability to connect with the audience through deep and truthful lyrics made her a beloved and respected figure in Brazilian music. The influence of her music transcended borders, and her authenticity resonated with a wide range of listeners.

Marília not only dominated the music charts but also won hearts, facing challenges with admirable courage. Her memory and impact endure, and her songs continue to touch lives, celebrating the love, pain, and strength she herself exemplified.

In summary, Marília Mendonça left an indelible mark on music and culture, and her legacy lives on through her songs and the remembrance of all who were touched by her art.