Portuguese Singer Roberto Leal Dies in São Paulo at Age 67

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Portuguese singer Roberto Leal died in the early hours of this Sunday, September 15th, in São Paulo, at the age of 67. The information was confirmed by the press office of the Hospital Samaritano, where the singer was hospitalized. He was known for the songs “Arrebita” and “Bate o pé”.

The death occurred due to a malignant melanoma (tumor) that evolved, affecting the liver and causing hepatic and renal failure. The singer had been battling cancer for two years.

According to the singer’s press office, Leal had been hospitalized since Tuesday, September 10th, after having an allergic reaction to a medication he was taking.

According to the singer’s manager, the wake will be on Monday, September 16th, at Casa Portugal, from 7 AM to 2 PM. The funeral will be in the afternoon, in the Congonhas Cemetery in São Paulo City.

Career

In his 45-year career, he sold more than 17 million records and recorded more than 400 songs. Among them are tracks such as “Bate o pé” and “A festa pode ser bonita.”

Born in Macedo de Cavaleiros, Northern Portugal, the singer moved to Brazil at the age of 11 with his parents and nine brothers.

At the end of the ’80s, he moved back to Portugal and dedicated himself to the European music market. During this period he hosted a TV program.

He returned to Brazil in 1998 and, two years later, released the album “Roberto Leal sings Roberto Carlos.” He continued producing records and compilations. The last one, “Arrebenta a festa,” was released in 2016.

Source: G1