Brazilian sertanejo duo César Menotti & Fabiano have backed the genre's younger generation of musicians, urging veteran artists to adapt to modern styles.
Speaking to CNN Brasil at the Histórias festival in São Paulo, the brothers praised the evolving compositions and digital trends shaping contemporary Brazilian country music.
Having performed together for over two decades, the duo has witnessed a major shift in how sertanejo reaches audiences. The genre has expanded from traditional radio dominance to massive music festivals and digital streaming platforms.
Sertanejo originated as rural acoustic folk music in Brazil before evolving into the country's most commercially successful pop genre. The musicians emphasized that decade-by-decade renewal helps broaden the audience and keeps the movement growing.
Adapting to a changing genre
Fabiano, the first voice of the duo, expressed surprise at how younger artists are introducing fresh vocal styles and songwriting techniques. He noted that emerging musicians are singing differently than previous generations, just as he and his brother did when they first introduced their own style.
He added that traditional sertanejo fans are enjoying the new sound alongside younger listeners, describing the shift as positive and encouraging for the industry.
César Menotti, who performs as the second voice, acknowledged that conservative listeners sometimes struggle to understand these changes. However, he stressed that the evolution remains vital for the broader sertanejo movement because new artists attract audiences who might otherwise never have listened to the genre.
He stated that the key to remaining relevant is adapting to the modern music world rather than expecting new artists to conform to an era that no longer exists.
Supporting a daughter's music career
Fabiano highlighted his 12-year-old daughter, Juju Menotti, as an example of the new generation entering the sertanejo scene. The young singer is pursuing her own career in music and has previously shared the stage with her father and uncle.
Fabiano said that watching his daughter follow the same profession was a wonderful and emotional experience for a father.
Juju Menotti did not perform at the São Paulo festival because she was in Belo Horizonte singing in a narrative enredo performance. Fabiano noted that had she been in São Paulo, she likely would have joined the duo on stage.
Belo Horizonte, the capital of Minas Gerais state in southeastern Brazil, serves as a major cultural center for sertanejo music. Fabiano explained that he avoids pressuring his daughter regarding her career choices.
He advised her that if singing makes her happy and brings her joy, she has his full support. He added that he would equally support her if she chose a different profession, but reiterated his complete backing if she chooses a career in music.
Over two decades on the road
The duo's emphasis on adaptation mirrors their own long-standing career. César Menotti and Fabiano have worked together professionally for more than two decades, having celebrated their 20th career anniversary with a special commemorative concert in 2024.
Fabiano described their bond as far deeper than a standard professional relationship. He said being brothers makes them life partners, noting that touring requires them to spend more time together than with the rest of their family.
Decades of intense touring have taught the brothers to accept each other's differences and flaws. Reflecting on their milestone of more than 25 years on the road, Fabiano expressed hope that they will continue performing together for another 25 years.
Nine hours of sertanejo stars in São Paulo
The duo spoke during the Histórias - O Show do Século festival at a venue in São Paulo, South America's largest metropolis. The event drew a crowd of 50,000 spectators for over nine hours of continuous live performances.
The festival featured a lineup of major sertanejo acts representing several eras of Brazilian country music. Matogrosso & Mathias opened the event around 2:30 p.m., followed by performances from Victor & Leo, Daniel, Chitãozinho & Xororó, and César Menotti & Fabiano.
Iconic duo Zezé Di Camargo & Luciano closed the São Paulo leg of the tour, maintaining their traditional role of concluding the event. After finishing his own set, Fabiano Menotti watched Zezé Di Camargo & Luciano perform from the side of the stage and joined them briefly to sing a snippet of the song Como um Anjo.
The Histórias tour is scheduled to continue with upcoming concerts in Belo Horizonte on September 12, Cuiabá on September 26, and Curitiba on November 14.
