Anderson Leonardo, lead singer of the group Molejo, dies aged 51 | National Newspaper

Singer Anderson Leonardo, from the group Molejo, dies in Rio

One of the pagoda icons, Anderson Leonardolead singer of the group Squishydied at age 51.

Synonymous with pagoda with humor. Colorful clothes, signs of joy on and off the stage. A portrait of Anderson Leonardo or Molejão: impossible to separate creator and creature.

Son of a musician, from Rio de Janeiro, a flamenco fan with body and soul, Anderson Leonardo was born 51 years ago. He learned to play the cavaquinho and percussion at an early age. In 1986, at just 14 years old, he participated in a King Roberto Carlos special alongside big names in samba. I couldn’t stop anymore.

Shortly afterwards, Anderson and his friend Andrezinho decided to create a band. He just needed a name.

“Then we did a draw, the idea of ​​the great Andrezinho: ‘Do this: let’s put it on a piece of paper, let’s put the name’. But little do they know that I took the pieces of paper and wrote down six Molejo names,” Anderson told Altas Horas in 2019.

The suggestion came from his father, Bira Hawaii. The band was born in the North Zone of Rio. A master of cavaco, composer, Anderson became one of the great references of pagode in the 1990s. He was the author of lyrics that became popular with the public and were the soundtrack for decades on end.

He composed one hit after another, sung out loud throughout Brazil. The group’s popularity took Molejo to different stages, such as football fields.

The ease with words came from the intimacy with the melody. Anderson gained recognition from great samba authorities, who today lamented his partner’s premature departure.

“Composer, a great music researcher, a great guy, a great friend. It’s not easy to lose a friend that big”, laments singer Péricles.

“Along with Anderson also comes a small samba encyclopedia. Anderson was a great connoisseur of all types of samba, he knew everything, he knew how to play everything”, says singer Teresa Cristina.

“I have Anderson as a brother and, ironically, he was a teacher. Anderson Leonardo, may God take care of his soul”, says singer Xande de Pilares.

Since 2022, Anderson faced a rare cancer in the groin area. He had surgeries and several hospitalizations. On Sunday (21), his condition worsened. The singer’s death was confirmed mid-afternoon on Friday.. Anderson leaves four children and an incalculable number of admirers.

“We lost a great reference in music, a great samba singer, a very incredible personality on stage. A showman! We’re going to try to maintain the legacy of the work he left behind. As Anderson said: it’s good to be happy with Molejão, right? ?”, says groupmate Andrezinho.

“AÍ Molejão, may God receive you with the same joy that you transmitted here on Earth, in your shows”, says singer Zeca Pagodinho.

Even though he was weakened, the artist published a video on social media, on February 12, in which he appeared singing with his stage companions during a performance.

This Friday, the eldest son, Leozinho Bradock, posted a photo of when he was a child, hugging his father, and wrote:

“I’m in your lap today, always and forever. This is my feeling.”

For the artist who left so soon, which was not combined with sadness, thanks to those who made the lives of many a lively, good-humored and colorful celebration.