Preta Gil to be honored with public wake in Rio after death in New York

Singer Preta Gil, an icon of Brazilian music and Rio’s carnival, passed away on Sunday, July 20, 2025, at age 50 in New York, due to complications from intestinal cancer. The artist, who had been battling the disease since January 2023, fell ill in an ambulance on her way to the airport, preparing to return to Brazil. Her family, including Flora Gil and her son Francisco, is in New York handling the arrangements for the body’s repatriation, which has no set date yet. The wake, as announced, will be open to the public in Rio de Janeiro, where Preta lived and built her career, with a trio elétrico cortege planned to honor her legacy with the Bloco da Preta. The ceremony is expected to draw thousands of fans and friends, reflecting the artist’s influence on Brazilian culture. The first 160 characters are optimized for meta description: “Preta Gil, music icon, died at 50 in New York. Public wake in Rio will feature a trio elétrico cortege, but repatriation date is still undefined.”

The news shook Brazil’s cultural scene, especially in Rio, where Preta was a central figure in carnival and popular music. The family released a statement on Instagram, expressing gratitude for the support received and confirming that the wake will allow friends, family, and fans to pay their respects. The Bloco da Preta, founded by her in 2010, is one of Rio’s largest carnival blocks, having drawn over 700,000 revelers in 2017.

• Cultural legacy: The Bloco da Preta transformed Rio’s carnival, blending rhythms like axé, funk, samba, and pop.
• Musical career: Preta released four albums, starting with Prêt-à Porter in 2003, leaving a mark on MPB with her versatility.
• Planned tribute: The trio elétrico cortege reflects the artist’s wish to celebrate life with music and joy.

Details of Preta Gil’s career

Preta Gil left an indelible mark on Brazilian music and culture. Daughter of Gilberto Gil, niece of Caetano Veloso, and goddaughter of Gal Costa, she was immersed in art from a young age. Before becoming a singer, she worked as a producer and publicist, but at 29, she pursued a music career with her debut album Prêt-à Porter. Released in 2003, it featured the hit Sinais de Fogo, composed by Ana Carolina, and sparked discussion for its bold cover featuring the singer nude. Subsequent albums like Preta (2005), Noite Preta (2010), and Sou como Sou (2012) solidified her versatility, blending MPB, pop, axé, and sertanejo.

Her Baile da Preta show became a hallmark for its musical diversity, covering everything from MPB classics to funk and forró hits. She took pride in uniting different styles, as she stated on her website: “The Baile da Preta reflects my musical personality, my eclecticism, and my respect for MPB.” In 2013, her Bloco da Preta DVD celebrated a decade of her career, featuring artists like Ivete Sangalo, Anitta, and Lulu Santos, with the energy of the Black Power drumline.

• Notable albums: Prêt-à Porter (2003), Preta (2005), Noite Preta (2010), and Sou como Sou (2012).
• Memorable collaborations: Performed with Lulu Santos, Ivete Sangalo, Anitta, Thiaguinho, and Israel Novaes.
• Musical eclecticism: Blended MPB, axé, funk, pagode, and sertanejo in her shows.
• Carnival presence: The Bloco da Preta drew massive crowds in Rio, notably 700,000 revelers in 2017.

Battle against cancer

Preta Gil faced intestinal cancer with courage since her diagnosis in January 2023. She initially underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy in Brazil, followed by surgery in August 2024 to remove tumors. Despite intensive treatment, the cancer returned, spreading to other parts of her body. Seeking alternatives, she opted for experimental treatment in the United States, traveling regularly between New York, where she was staying, and Washington, where she received care at a specialized medical center.

Her decision to pursue experimental therapies reflected her determination to fight for her life. Even during treatment, she stayed connected with fans through social media, sharing messages of hope and gratitude. Her final post, days before her passing, radiated optimism and faith. The sudden worsening of her condition, as she prepared to return to Brazil, caught her family and fans by surprise.

Tributes and cortege in Rio

Preta Gil’s wake will be a significant event in Rio de Janeiro, the city she called home and where she built much of her legacy. The family confirmed that the ceremony will be open to the public, allowing fans and friends to pay their respects. The trio elétrico cortege, a wish expressed by the artist herself, promises to be a celebration of her life and legacy, with the vibrancy that defined her carnival performances.

The choice of a trio elétrico reflects Preta’s lively personality, which transformed Rio’s carnival with her contagious joy. The event is expected to draw thousands, including artists, revelers, and admirers. Gilberto Gil’s team stated that details such as date, time, and location will be shared once the repatriation is finalized.

• Public wake: Open to all wishing to bid farewell to the artist.
• Trio cortege: A tribute reflecting Preta’s festive spirit and love for carnival.
• Ongoing arrangements: Flora Gil and Francisco Gil are handling logistics in New York.
• Expected impact: Thousands of fans are anticipated to attend to celebrate the singer’s legacy.

Career beyond music

Beyond her musical contributions, Preta Gil excelled in other areas. In 2010, she debuted the TV show Vai e Vem, a talk show set in an elevator, where she interviewed guests about sexuality with humor and intelligence. “I wanted a show without vulgarity, with lightness and respect,” she said in an interview with Jô Soares. The innovative format won over audiences and reinforced her versatility.

Preta was also a vocal advocate for inclusion and diversity. As a Black woman, she faced prejudice and used her platform to promote discussions on representation. Her authenticity and charisma made her a beloved figure in both the artistic community and among the public.

Legacy in Rio’s carnival

The Bloco da Preta, founded in 2010, is one of Preta Gil’s greatest legacies. The parade, blending Brazilian rhythms and attracting massive crowds, became a cornerstone of Rio’s carnival. In 2017, it drew over 700,000 people to the city’s downtown, a record that underscored her influence. The Black Power drumline and guest appearances by renowned artists made each parade a celebration of Brazil’s cultural diversity.

The future of the bloco after Preta’s passing remains uncertain, but her family and friends have expressed a desire to keep her spirit alive. The 2026 carnival, occurring months after the wake, may serve as an opportunity for special tributes to the artist.

• Bloco’s founding: Established in 2010, it became one of Rio’s largest carnival blocks.
• Record attendance: 700,000 revelers in 2017 in downtown Rio.
• Musical diversity: Featured axé, funk, samba, pop, and sertanejo.
• Iconic drumline: Black Power was a highlight of the bloco’s parades.

Repatriation preparations

Preta Gil’s family faces logistical challenges to bring her body back to Brazil. Flora Gil and Francisco, in New York, are dealing with bureaucratic processes at South Shore University Hospital, where Preta passed away. Repatriation involves legal procedures between the U.S. and Brazil, which may take days. The family requested understanding and promised to update the public on the wake’s details as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, tributes flood social media. Fans and artists like Anitta, Ivete Sangalo, and Lulu Santos shared messages, highlighting Preta’s joy and strength. The wake in Rio is expected to be a moment of unity, celebrating an artist who left a lasting mark on generations through her music, charisma, and resilience.