DStv Channel 403 Monday, 23 December 2024

Brazil bar gets 24K Magic moment with Bruno Mars visit

BELO HORIZONTE - Lacador, a small bar in the Brazilian city of Belo Horizonte, has got its uptown funk on following a surprise visit by US pop hitmaker Bruno Mars.

"Bruno was here!" reads a proud sign in front of the modest establishment, which has turned Mars's November drop-in into a lucrative tourist draw.

Certainly, for the bar's owner, Ronaldo Teixeira, the unexpected appearance of the multi-Grammy-award winner on November 5 was something he will never forget.

"It was a Tuesday morning and we were at the door, just talking with friends, when a dark car pulled up and three big guys got out," Teixeira told AFP.

"They asked if I had beer... and that's when Bruno then walked into my place," he said.

"The only thing Bruno said when he sat down, in rough Portuguese, was 'Call over the boys'."

The owner didn't hesitate. 

"I shouted to everyone, 'Come here guys! He's calling people in for a picture.' Then people arrived, we sat in the entrance and he started dancing in that way he has, so cool... It was sensational."

Mars later highlighted his bar visit on social media, quickly lending fame to Lacador (which is pronounced "lass-a-door" and means "lassoer" -- someone who throws a lasso), and to its owner.

"It's as if I'm a pop star... this place has become a tourist spot, with new people always coming in, including from other cities, people of all ages who are fans of Bruno," said Teixeira.

Even though Mars's entourage was thirsty, the 39-year-old singer himself did not open the can of beer he was served -- and which now has pride of place in the bar, as a memento of the momentous occasion.

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