Totonho, one of the founders of the Raça group, dies aged 69

Musician Luiz Antônio Silva, known as Totonho, died last Thursday (2) at the age of 69. The artist was one of the founders of the samba band Grupo Raça, which reported in a statement about the former member's death on social media. The artist's cause of death was not disclosed.

"Totonho was much more than a musician; he was a generous soul, an easy smile and a presence that lit up any circle", said the caption of the publication in honor of him. "With his talent and joy, he made Grupo Raça a reference for samba and unity, bringing culture and emotion to everyone who had the privilege of listening to him."

The post also informs about the artist's burial, which will take place this Friday (3), starting at 1 pm at the Inhaúma Cemetery, North Zone of Rio de Janeiro. Totonho was born in the capital of Rio de Janeiro, where he founded the group in the traditional neighborhood of Engenho de Dentro, in the 1980s.

The Raça group was created in 1985 and was initially made up of seven members. Later, other musicians joined the formation: Marley (ganzá), Marquinhos (banjo), Mongol (tantã), Ronaldinho (cavaquinho), Totonho (tambourine), Valnei (hand peal) and Carlinhos (tamborim). Currently, the group brings together Marley (ganzá and vocals), Valnei (hand peal and vocals) and the late Totonho (tambourine and vocals), remnants of the original lineup, as well as Leonardo Acioly (banjo and vocals), Paulinho "Beiça" (cavaquinho and vocals) and Wagner Bahia (guitar and vocals).

The group became known for hits in the romantic pagode genre, which was on the rise between the 1980s and 1990s. With Totonho, the group released hits such as "O Teu Chamego" and "Seja Mais Você". Throughout their career, they released 14 studio albums and two live albums.

Names from the pagoda mourned Totonho's death, such as singer Renato da Rocinha and singer Waguinho. "My condolences," wrote the last one. "May God welcome you with open arms and comfort the hearts of all family, friends and fans!", lamented Udi, from the group Katinguelê.

"May Totonho's memory remain alive in every chord, in every verse and in every hug that he generously spread. In this moment of pain, we pray to God to welcome our longing and grant him eternal rest, amidst the peace that his music always knew how to convey", concluded the note of condolence.

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Source: CNN