João Chagas Leite, icon of Gaucho music, passed away this Tuesday at the age of 80 in the north of RS Por Carolina Costa
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João Chagas Leite, native singer and composer from Rio Grande do Sul, passed away this Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at the age of 80, at the Hospital de Caridade de Erechim, in the north of Rio Grande do Sul. The artist had been hospitalized since April, facing complications from colorectal cancer diagnosed in 2023. The death was confirmed by family members, who highlighted his dedication to regional music until his final moments.
Born in Uruguaiana, Chagas Leite has built a career spanning more than five decades, with more than 300 compositions that exalt Pampean culture. His voice sang hymns such as “Por Quem Cantam os Cardeais” and “Desassossegos”, performed at state festivals.
The news of his death generated immediate repercussions among admirers of nativist music. Friends and professional colleagues expressed solidarity on social media, recognizing their role in preserving Gaucho traditions.
Trajectory from Uruguaiana to the stage
João Chagas Leite was born on August 22, 1945, in Uruguaiana, on the western border of Rio Grande do Sul. From a young age, he learned to play the guitar in an adapted way, due to a malformation in his left hand, with short fingers that forced him to reverse the instrument’s strings.
This overcoming marked the beginning of his musical journey, which took him to Santa Maria, where he lived for more than 20 years with his wife Vilma. The couple faced personal challenges, including losing her in March 2025, shortly before the singer’s surgery.
Recent health challenges
The diagnosis of colorectal cancer appeared in 2023, interrupting shows and presentations. In April 2025, Chagas Leite underwent an eight-hour surgery at the Hospital de Caridade de Erechim, followed by hospitalization in the ICU.
Friends launched a donation campaign to pay for the treatment, which raised the necessary amount in a few days. The musician returned to the stage in May, after two years away, declaring that he “breathed music”.
Despite the temporary improvement, the condition worsened in recent weeks, leading to permanent hospitalization. Family members reported that he remained optimistic, asking for the guitar the day after medical procedures.
Compositions that defined nativism
Chagas Leite composed more than300 works, with poetic lyrics linked to the pampas and the Gaucho identity. Among the hits, highlights include tracks recorded on albums that sold thousands of copies in the south of the country.
- “For Whom the Cardinals Sing”: Anthem performed at festivals, with more than 50 years of performance.
- “Desassossegos”: Composition that reflects rural concerns, winner in state contests.
- “Ave Sonora”: Piece that pays homage to Pampean birds, integrated into nativist collections.
- “Penas, Pampa e Querência”: Trio of songs that explore themes of loss and attachment to the land.
These creations were presented at events such as the Natívida Festival, where he won awards in annual editions.
Awards and recognition in the music scene
Throughout his career, Chagas Leite accumulated victories at festivals in Rio Grande do Sul, with trophies in the interpretation and composition categories. His discography includes independent albums released in the 1970s and 1980s, distributed by regional record labels.
In 2020, he received honor from the Legislative Assembly of Rio Grande do Sul for cultural contributions. Digital platforms like Spotify and YouTube record millions of streams of their tracks, expanding their reach to new generations.
The singer also collaborated with other nativist artists, participating in collective recordings that preserve the genre.
Legacy for future generationss of musicians
The work of João Chagas Leite influenced dozens of emerging composers in nativism, with workshops and mentoring in Santa Maria. His unique guitar technique has served as inspiration for students adapting instruments to physical limitations.
He recorded short documentaries about Gaucho music, available on educational channels, which document oral traditions from the Pampas. Family members plan album re-releases to keep his work alive.
The cultural community of Rio Grande do Sul discusses posthumous events, such as tributes at festivals in 2026.
Repercussions on the Rio Grande do Sul community
Chagas Leite’s death coincides with the Farroupilha Week period, intensifying the mourning among traditionalists. Nativist associations in Erechim and Uruguaiana organize vigils with performances of their songs.
Regional politicians issued notes of condolence, praising his role in Southern identity. Fans share memories of shows in Iraí and other cities, highlighting his charismatic presence on stage.
