Musician João Laurentino da Silva, known as Mestre Laurentino, died this Saturday (21) in Belém. An icon of Pará music, he died at the age of 98, at his home, located on Travessa Barão do Triunfo, in the Sacramenta neighborhood. The cause of death was not reported.
Laurentino was born on Marajó Island, but grew up in the capital of Pará, where he started a family and became known as the oldest rocker in Brazil. He had 27 children.
In a statement, the mayor of Belém, Edmilson Rodrigues, lamented the death of the instrumentalist and offered solidarity to his family.
“It is a moment of great sadness for the culture of Belém and Pará. The city hall sympathizes with friends and family of João Laurentino da Silva, affectionately called Mestre Laurentino, and recognizes his great contribution to Pará culture”, declared the mayor.
During his career, Mestre Laurentino produced hundreds of cassette tapes recorded in his backyard, with howling dogs, parrots, chickens and all the sounds of his habitat. As a result, he ended up creating his own language.
One of his biggest hits,”American Blonde“, was recorded by Gilberto Gil.
