Benito di Paula honored at public wake in São Paulo

Fans, friends, and family gathered at the Theatro Municipal de São Paulo on Tuesday to pay their final respects to singer, composer, and pianist Benito di Paula. The public wake, held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., allowed admirers to honor the artist following his death on Sunday at the age of 84.

Benito di Paula passed away at the Hospital Nove de Julho after a battle with prostate cancer that lasted approximately one year. He was scheduled for burial at 5 p.m. at the Morumby Cemetery in a private ceremony for his family.

Known for blending samba with romantic melodies and piano-driven arrangements, his career produced classics such as ‘Retalhos de Cetim’, ‘Meu Amigo Charlie Brown’, and ‘Mulher Brasileira’. His legacy was also recognized by the Águia de Ouro samba school, which honored his history and compositions in 2025.