A small bar in the Brazilian city of Belo Horizonte named Lacador has got its uptown funk on, following a surprise visit by American pop hitmaker Bruno Mars.
“Bruno was here!” reads a proud sign in front of the modest establishment, which has turned Mars’ November drop-in into a lucrative tourist draw.
Certainly, for bar owner Ronaldo Teixeira, the unexpected appearance of the multi-Grammy-award winner on Nov 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,” said Teixeira, 62.
“They asked if I had beer... and that’s when Bruno then walked into my place,” he added. “The only thing Bruno said when he sat down, in rough Portuguese, was ‘Call over the boys’.”
The owner did not hesitate.
“I shouted to everyone, ‘Come here guys! He’s calling people in for a picture.’ Then people arrived, we sat at 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 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’ entourage was thirsty, the 39-year-old singer did not open the can of beer he was served – which now has pride of place in the bar, as a memento of the momentous occasion.
On top of the booming trade, the bar has also had a makeover, with the company behind the beer’s label capitalising on Mars’ aura by paying for a renovation.
The once-nondescript bar now boasts a new refrigerator, tables and chairs, and a poster – all of them printed with the likeness of Mars. There is also a large framed photo of Teixeira with the singer on the wall.
The American artiste already has a history with Brazil, having performed there on tour four times – the last in November, when he made his Belo Horizonte stop in a venue just 5km from the bar.
In some of his shows, he spoke a little Portuguese, and on his last tour, Mars was presented with an honorary Brazilian taxpayer’s identity card in his name.
A Belo Horizonte bricklayer who lives next door to Lacador, Adilson Machado, said he was among those who met the star.
“When they said that ‘Bruninho’ (“little Bruno”, as Mars is affectionately called in Brazil) was here, I shook his hand and he greeted everyone. He is a very humble person,” Machado said.
Raphaela Resende, a social projects analyst living in the city, said: “It’s great that an international celebrity has chosen a street that is not so well-known or central to have a beer.”
Teixeira himself has adopted his body language to match the legend growing around his bar.
“Now, whenever I celebrate, it will be with Bruninho’s signature move, pointing to the sky – to thank God for bringing him to my doorstep.” – AFP
