Preta Gil facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Preta Gil
|
|
|---|---|
.jpg)
Gil in 2021
|
|
| Background information | |
| Born | 8 August 1974 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil |
| Died | 20 July 2025 (aged 50) New York City, United States |
| Genres |
|
| Occupation(s) |
|
| Years active | 2003–2025 |
| Labels | Universal Music |
| Associated acts | |
Preta Maria Gadelha Gil Moreira (born August 8, 1974 – died July 20, 2025), known as Preta Gil, was a talented Brazilian singer and actress. She was the daughter of Gilberto Gil, a famous musician and a former Minister of Culture in Brazil.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Preta Gil was born on August 8, 1974. Her father, Gilberto Gil, wanted to name her "Preta" after his own mother. At first, a government clerk said no. Gilberto Gil argued, asking why names like "Branca" (white) or "Rosa" (rose) were allowed, but "Preta" (black) was not. The clerk finally agreed, but only if a Catholic name was added. So, she was registered as Preta Maria.
Preta spent her early childhood in Rio de Janeiro and then moved to Salvador, Bahia when she was one year old. She had a younger sister named Maria and an older brother named Pedro. Pedro was born in London because her father, Gilberto Gil, and his friend, Caetano Veloso, had to leave Brazil. This was during a time when a military government was in power.
Preta's grandmother helped raise the children during this period. Preta admired her grandmother for being strong during a challenging time for their family.
Childhood and Musical Inspiration
Preta had a very active imagination as a child. When she was five, her family moved to California for eight months while her father worked on a music project.
Growing up in Rio de Janeiro in the 1980s, Preta was surrounded by a vibrant music scene. Popular bands like Blitz and Paralamas do Sucesso were everywhere. Being the daughter of a music icon, she often got to see what happened behind the scenes at concerts and TV shows. She loved this exciting environment and felt very comfortable around it. The stage always fascinated her.
She dreamed of being a dancer on the famous TV show Chacrinha. Her father, her uncle Caetano Veloso, and her godmother Gal Costa were all successful musicians who appeared on the show. Preta often asked her mother if she could go to the tapings. One day, she finally got to go. Seeing the costumes and instruments, she felt the "magic" of the show. This experience made her decide that she wanted to become a singer and an actress. She loved to imitate her godmother, Gal Costa, and other talented artists like Rita Lee and Elba Ramalho.
Later Life and Passing
In March 2020, Preta Gil became ill with COVID-19.
Preta was also related to other famous artists. She was the first cousin of singer Moreno Veloso and the second cousin of actress Patricia Pillar and singer Luiza Possi. She was also connected to rock singer Marina Lima.
Preta Gil passed away on July 20, 2025, in New York City. She had been receiving treatment for an illness. Her family and press office shared this sad news.
Music Career Highlights
First Albums and Tours
Preta Gil released her first studio album, "Prêt-à Porter," in 2003. She wanted the album's artwork to show her feeling "reborn." Her record label was a bit worried about the pictures she chose, but Preta felt confident. She believed that being herself was important.
Her second album, simply called "Preta," came out in 2005. It included popular songs like "Muito Perigoso."
In 2008, Preta started her "Noite Preta" (Black Night) tour. This tour was so successful that she recorded her first live DVD and Blu-ray from it in 2009. This live recording was released in 2010. Preta mentioned that her stage personality was very expressive and free, different from her everyday self.
Celebrating 10 Years and Carnival
In 2013, Preta Gil celebrated 10 years in her music career. To mark this special occasion, she recorded her second live DVD/Blu-ray, "Bloco da Preta," in Rio de Janeiro. The show was a vibrant mix of Brazilian music styles, including pop, funk, and samba. Many famous artists, like Ivete Sangalo and Anitta, joined her on stage.
Preta Gil was also well-known for her energetic performances during Carnival. Her street party, "Bloco da Preta" (Preta's Block), became one of the biggest in Rio de Janeiro. It attracted millions of people to the streets. She worked very hard during Carnival, sometimes performing 19 shows in just 15 days! To keep up, she had a team of professionals helping her stay healthy and strong. She learned to take care of herself and manage her busy schedule.
Discography
Preta Gil released several albums throughout her career. Here are some of her main works:
Studio Albums
- Prêt-à Porter (2003)
- Preta (2005)
- Sou Como Sou (2012)
Live Albums
- Noite Preta Ao Vivo (2010)
- Bloco da Preta (2014)
Video Albums
- Noite Preta Ao Vivo (2010)
- Bloco da Preta (2014)
Popular Songs (Singles)
Preta Gil released many popular songs, including:
- "Sinais De Fogo" (2003)
- "Muito Perigoso" (2005)
- "Stereo" (2009)
- "Sou Como Sou" (2012)
- "Decote" (featuring Pabllo Vittar) (2017)
- "Vá Se Benzer" (featuring Gal Costa) (2017)
Tours and Performances
Preta Gil was known for her exciting live shows. Her main tours included:
- Noite Preta (2008–2011)
- Baile da Preta (started in 2012)
She also led a very popular Carnival street party called Bloco da Preta, which began in 2009.
Television and Film Work
Preta Gil was also a familiar face on television and in movies.
As a Presenter
She hosted or was part of the cast for several TV shows, such as:
- Vai e Vem (2010)
- Caixa Preta (2005)
- The Voice Brasil (2012)
- Esquenta! (2011–2013)
- Fantástico (2013)
She also had an online radio show called Noite Preta FM in 2010.
As an Actress
Preta Gil acted in many Brazilian TV series (telenovelas) and films:
- As Cariocas (2010)
- Ti Ti Ti (2010)
- Caminho das Índias (2009)
- Ó Paí, Ó (2008)
- Os Mutantes – Caminhos do Coração (2008)
- Caminhos do Coração (2007)
- Agora É que São Elas (2003)
She also lent her voice to the Brazilian version of the animated film Over the Hedge in 2006, playing the character Stella.
Images for kids
-
Preta Gil in 2007
-
Preta Gil performing in 2012
-
Preta Gil live in Angra dos Reis (2023)
_08.jpg)
