Departures of note

Preta Maria Gadelha Gil Moreira was a prominent Brazilian singer, actress, and businesswoman who carved out a successful career independent of her famous father, Gilberto Gil. Born into a musical dynasty as the daughter of Gilberto Gil and Sandra Gadelha, and niece of Caetano Veloso, she initially worked behind the scenes as a producer before launching her singing career in 2003 with the album Prêt-à-Porter.

Her music was characterized by a festive, empowering style that blended Brazilian traditions with pop influences. She became a beloved figure in Brazil's LGBTQIA+ community, known for her joyful performances and outspoken advocacy for diversity and inclusion. In 2009, she founded Bloco da Preta, which grew to become one of the largest and most popular carnival blocks in Rio de Janeiro, attracting hundreds of thousands of revelers annually.

Beyond music, Gil was a television personality, hosting shows such as Caixa Preta and appearing as a commentator on Esquenta!. She was also a successful entrepreneur, co-founding the entertainment and marketing company Music2Mynd. Throughout her life, she was a vocal advocate for body positivity, racial equality, and LGBTQIA+ rights, using her platform to challenge societal norms and inspire self-acceptance. She died in New York City on 20 July 2025, at the age of 50, after a battle with colorectal cancer.