Sergio Mendes, performer of “Mas que nada” and Brazilian bossa nova legend, dies at 83

The musician helped popularize the Brazilian musical genre worldwide with “Mas que nada” in 1966.

A bossa nova legend has passed away. Sergio Mendes, a Brazilian musician known worldwide for his songs like But nothingdied Thursday, September 5 at the age of 83, his label boss and friend Herb Alpert announced on Facebook Friday, September 6.

“His wife and musical partner of fifty-four years, Gracinha Leporace Mendes, was at his side, as were his children.”the musician’s relative said in a statement. The text does not give the cause of death, but specifies that “In recent months, his health had been damaged by the effects of long Covid”.

He helped make the Brazilian bossa nova genre popular around the world, especially with his title But nothing in 1966, the melody of which was notably covered by the American group Black Eyed Peas. The musician had last played in November 2023 in Paris, London and Barcelona, “sold out and with overflowing enthusiasm”adds his label boss.

Sergio Mendes won the Grammy Award for Best Album in 1992 for BrazilianHe was also nominated for an Oscar in 2012 for the film’s soundtrack. Rio.