Text by: Valtinho Fragoso
Invited by Rolling Stone , I went to see the documentary Cazuza: Good News , by Kajá Filmes. July 7th marked 35 years since Cazuza left us at the height of his fame, a victim of the AIDS virus. The documentary is an ode to the friendships Cazuza cultivated throughout his life. It highlights the incomparable love of his mother and the sweetest memories his friends and artistic partners have of the eternal Caju.
The work portrays the years following the discovery of the virus and explores the albums Só Se For a Dois (1987), Ideologia (1988), the apotheotic O Tempo Não Para (1988) – from the critically acclaimed show of the same name, directed by Ney Matogrosso – and Burguesia (1989), the album he recorded in his practically last days of life. Cazuza's strength is there. Even knowing that death is coming, he sings with all his power. As it is said in the documentary, "he stopped shouting and learned to sing."
Cazuza gave his all on stage, delivering a powerful and controversial performance because he was so outspoken. He didn't mince words. Photographer Flavio Colker , who shot the covers of "Só Se For a Dois" and "Ideologia," offers a beautiful comparison of Cazuza's perspective on what life was giving him. The emotion of Nilo Romero , who directed the documentary, when speaking about his friend. Gilberto Gil , who co-wrote one of his most beautiful songs, "Um Trem Para as Estrelas," with him. Frejat , his partner in so many hits. The insightful and sensational statement that Ney Matogrosso's relationship with Cazuza lasted only three months, but it was enough to make history. Lucinha, his mother, always in love with her son.
Veja article where Cazuza opens up completely because he wanted to be on the cover of the magazine, and the editor kills him off for the first time. There's Leo Jaime , George Israel , Christiaan Oyens , Ricardo Palmeira , Flora Gil , Marcia Alvarez , his manager, and João Rebouças , wonderful, who worked with him on "Quando Eu Estiver Cantando" (When I'm Singing).
Wonderful archival footage, like George Israel , where Cazuza asks for a blood transfusion on the day to celebrate with his friend. It makes you want to sing all the songs from the documentary at the top of your lungs. I want to watch it again at home to sing along and cry all over again. Everything is so gentle, even with the illness looming so close to him, that, as usual, I got emotional many times. I always wanted to be Cazuza's friend, and these films, documentaries, series, and books make me feel close to him whenever I need him. The film Cazuza: Good News premieres on July 17th in theaters.
