Jefferson Luiz Fernandes

Jefferson Fernandes Luiz (November 12, 1978 – April 19, 2019), known professionally as MC Sapão or simply as Sapão, was a Brazilian singer-songwriter who reached fame in the mid-2000s with the hits "Diretoria" and "Eu Tô Tranquilão".

Biography

Jefferson Fernandes Luiz was born on November 12, 1978, at the Alemão favela complex in Rio de Janeiro. His nickname, "Sapão" (roughly translated to English as "big frog"), which he had since he was young, came from his portly figure and bulging eyes, which gave him the appearance of a frog. He worked at a tire shop, as a doorman for a daycare and as a delivery boy for a flower shop – and later for a restaurant – prior to his musical career. )

Sapão then continued to write songs but only began his career officially in 2005, recording the song "Diretoria", which catapulted him into fame after extensive airplay in radio stations of Rio de Janeiro. The following year he released his greatest hit, "Eu Tô Tranquilão", and he subsequently began to appear in DJ Marlboro-produced compilations and performing in shows nationwide. By the 2010s, collaborations with DJ Tom

In 2013 his song "Classe A" was included in the soundtrack of the 21st season of long-running soap opera Malhação.

Sapão was also notable for performing at wedding parties, with his most remarkable one being at the marriage of actors Bruno Gagliasso and Giovanna Ewbank in 2010.

On April 10, 2019, he was hospitalized due to a severe case of pneumonia, dying nine days later, on April 19, at the age of 40. He was buried one day later at the Cemitério da Penitência in Caju, Rio, and was survived by his wife Alessandra Fernandes and four children – Pedro, Kevin, Odara and Brisa.

His scheduled performance at Rock in Rio 8 was subsequently cancelled.

Influences Sapão stated in a 2015 interview that his musical style was mostly influenced by American funk, soul and pop artists such as Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles and Lionel Richie.

Discography

Compilations Year Album 2006 Funk Mix Label: Som Livre Format: CD Contributed with the song "Boladão (Grito de um Guerreiro)"

Singles Year Single Album 2005 "Diretoria" Non-album song 2006 "Eu Tô Tranquilão" Non-album song 2006 "Boladão (Grito de um Guerreiro)" Funk Mix 2013 "Mocinho e Bandido" (feat. João Neto & Frederico) Non-album song 2013 "Classe A" Malhação Nacional 2013 2014 "Vou Desafiar Você" Non-album song 2015 "A Resenha" (feat. DJ Tom) Non-album song 2015 "Rei do Baile" (feat. Mr. Catra and MC Guimê) Non-album song