Death of Benito Di Paula: see the repercussions

Singer and composer Benito Di Paula died on Sunday night (18), aged 84, at Hospital 9 de Julho, in São Paulo, due to complications from prostate cancer. One of the most popular names in Brazilian music in the 1970s, the artist received tributes from family, friends, fans and personalities on social media.

Rodrigo Vellozo, Benito's son, published a message of thanks to his father.

"I love you, daddy! Thank you!", wrote Rodrigo.

Fafá de Belém and Xanddy also mourned the artist's death. The samba player Mumuzinho highlighted the importance of Benito for Brazilian music.

"How sad. Your importance for our music lives on. My condolences," he wrote.

Maria Rita offered solidarity to the family.

“My big hug, may he rest in peace and be welcomed to the party!”, said the singer.

Eliana de Lima also highlighted Benito's contribution to samba.

"Giant! He launched a new style in music at the time of singing and playing our samba. What a sad loss for music", said Eliana de Lima.

Teresa Cristina left a message for Rodrigo: “A big hug for you, Rodrigo”.

Mauro Júnior, from Grupo Revelação, recalled Benito's participation in important moments in the group's trajectory.

"A huge hug in your heart, dear. Your father was a very strong arm in our work, giving us the pleasure of having him on our albums and on stage, in one of the most memorable moments of our career. May God comfort you greatly. Thank you Benito Di Paula! Genius! My condolences!", he wrote.

Benito Di Paula was born in 1941, in Nova Friburgo, in the mountainous region of Rio. The Government of the State of Rio de Janeiro released a note of condolence and highlighted the importance of the singer and composer for Brazilian music.

"The news of the death of Benito Di Paula, one of the great names in Brazilian popular music, causes deep sadness. His remarkable voice and talent gave life to songs that crossed generations and gained a special place in the history of our culture. The Government of the State of Rio de Janeiro expresses solidarity with Benito Di Paula's family, friends and fans", says the note.

Flamengo, the artist's favorite team, also mourned his death and highlighted Benito's legacy.

"The Clube de Regatas do Flamengo deeply regrets the passing of Uday Vellozo, our eternal Benito Di Paula, at the age of 84. Passionate red-black and genius of Brazilian music, Benito revolutionized samba by uniting it with the piano, leaving an immortal legacy in our culture. In this moment of pain, we sympathize with his family, friends and millions of fans. Thank you for so much. His work will never be erased", stated the club.

Zico also paid tribute to the singer and said that Benito was one of his idols in music.

"One of my idols. May he rest in peace and God comfort his family and friends," he said.