Now 84 years old, João Roberto Kelly is the author of “Cabeleira do Zezé” and guarantees that Marchinha has nothing homophobic
You may not even choose the fanfares and marchinhas in the Carnival program, but you will surely have sung some of the most famous lines of this time of year. “Look at Zezé’s hair / He’s the one,” for example, has become a carnival classic. And the author of this work of art, João Roberto Kelly, assures that the song has nothing homophobic about it – the part that says “faggot”, by the way, is not his.
“A deviant is not a fag! I never thought about gay slurs, you know? But unfortunately one thing happened that I didn’t like. They put the word ‘fag’ in that second part. That’s not mine,” he says, in an interview with Earth.
Now 84, the ‘Rei das Marchinhas’, as he has come to be known, shows his affection for the LGBTQIA+ community in the composition he made for the 2023 carnival. “I’m gay / the world is mine / You don’t / Bad luck for you ” is a hymn to this public which, according to Roberto Kelly, is the reason for the existence of Carnaval.
“In the laboratories of the samba schools, for example, they dedicate themselves with dedication and create everything from the simplest costumes to the immense sculptures of the chariots. I am very grateful to gays for everything they have done for Carnival,” he adds.
Read below the full interview with João Roberto Kelly, the ‘King of the Marchinhas’.
What prompted you to compose a song in honor of gays for this year’s carnival?
LGBT+ deserve all the tributes at Carnival, because without this audience the revelry wouldn’t be as we know it today. In the laboratories of the samba schools, for example, they dedicate themselves with dedication and create everything from the simplest costumes to the immense sculptures of the chariots. There are several gay carnivals. So I am very grateful to gay people for everything they have done for Carnaval. This march of mine is to realize this feeling. The lyrics try to glorify the gay world that I love so much.
You always bring very moving themes into your compositions, like the figure of Gilmar Mendes [ministro do Supremo Tribunal Federal], the boy wearing pink and the girl wearing blue, and the pandemic. In your opinion, is Carnival a political holiday?
In my opinion, carnival is not a political celebration, but an eminently popular event. The less politics in the carnival, the better, you see? Carnival is a unifying thing, involving joy, love, music and art. This party does not fit into divisions in the political sphere.
What do you think about the deletion of some gears?
These songs, thank God, are played a lot. I did it with great joy. Suddenly there was this cancellation, which takes me back to a very sad period in the history of Brazil, which was the time of censorship. “Cabeleira do Zezé” has nothing homophobic about it, you know? I went to a bar in Copacabana and there was a waiter with long hair, his name was José Antônio. The guy screwed everyone up, so I thought: This guy deserves a song. I did it with the intention of playing. The “transviado” has no gay offense, but refers to Carlos Imperial’s groups [produtor artístico] that everyone was hairy too. Deviated is not fag! I never thought about the gay offense, you know? But, unfortunately, one thing happened that I didn’t like: they put the word ‘queer’ in the second part. It’s not mine!
I’m definitely gay, boy. I helped compose the songs for the show “Le Girl”, which revealed Jane Di Castro, Rogéria and other transformers. This was the biggest transvestite show Brazil has ever had, and I’ve always been a friend and loved by this whole gang. We must be as our hearts dictate. For example, if I want to kiss a gay guy on the mouth, I do. (laugh)
The marchinha is still the face of the carnival. And many groups made up of young people only play marchinhas. Do you know why?
Rhythm conquers young people because it is a more open, freer language. The lyrics are more in line with what we talk about on a daily basis.
In 2006, Fundição Progresso began producing a national marchinhas contest, which capitalized on the street carnival in Rio and, later, throughout Brazil. How do you see the carnival today?
Over there at the Fundição Progresso, the Perfect Fortune [produtor cultural] is the bulwark of this new carnival page. I had the honor of being a juror for these racewalking events. From these gatherings, the street carnival expanded throughout Brazil. And this year we will have the greatest carnival of all time. No more depression at home, right? Let us go with great joy, respect and dignity. Let’s analyze it. (laugh)
Who do you consider the greatest marchinha performer in history?
I really like Emilinha Borba who sings the marchinha. The wonderful Dalva de Oliveira, who knew how to share a ranch march like no other, I also really like Marlene and Dircinha Batista. And also the great Jorge Goulart, who in ‘Cabeleireiro do Zezé’ enchanted everyone with his great voice.
What is the secret of so much vitality at 84 years old?
There really isn’t a secret, there is a way to live. I face life with optimism. Only with so much carnival can I have this vitality, you know? Going to a neighborhood, or to a dance, and seeing a band playing my songs is wonderful. This is the greatest joy a composer has, which is worth more than any money or copyright.
Besides preparing for Carnival, what are you doing in 2023?
Much music. For this year we are working on a new CD with only romantic songs. Everything is ready here at home. Romantics will love it!
Source: Terra
I am Amanda Gans, a motivated and ambitious professional in the news writing industry. With over five years of experience in this field, I have developed an eye for detail and an ability to craft stories that captivate readers. I currently write for Gossipify, where I specialize in beauty & celebrities news. My passion lies with exploring the world of beauty through writing, interviewing experts and developing articles that are both informative and entertaining.
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