Anitta Embraces Life’s Uncertainties After Battling Mystery Illness, Reveals Her Priorities Shifted
Brazilian singer Anitta, 31, recently shared her journey of self-discovery after facing a health scare in 2023, prompting her to reassess her priorities and artistic direction. In an intimate interview with Variety, she opened up about her battle with a mysterious illness that forced her to pause her music career and focus on her well-being.
Reflecting on her ordeal, Anitta revealed how the experience changed her perspective on life. “Now I appreciate death so much,” she said, adding, “I thought I was going to die.
“And if I did, I wanted to be sure I left behind a body of work that I felt truly represented me and the sounds I love,” she continued. “I’d already had the hits; I already did it by the numbers. Death, and the fact that we don’t know what tomorrow holds, make me feel the most alive. Now I want to try something that makes me feel like an artist again,” she added.
The illness, which caused severe pain and fevers, led to a period of uncertainty as she underwent tests for cancer and autoimmune diseases without a definitive diagnosis. Amidst the uncertainty, Anitta found clarity in her desire to reclaim her artistic identity.
“I didn’t feel happy. I didn’t have the energy anymore. I was looking at the sales numbers too much, reading what the internet and critics had to say,” she stated.
“After having thought so much about what life could look like if I quit, or if I died … my priorities shifted,” the Back For More singer continued.
Her latest album, Funk Generation, released in April, is a testament to this newfound clarity. Rejecting the pressure of commercial success, Anitta focuses on artistic authenticity and the thrill of uncertainty.
“For a long time, the numbers have decided whether I won or failed, and that will push you to do something unoriginal. I love the adrenaline of not knowing whether people are going to like it,” she explained.
“With ‘Versions of Me,’ I was trying a little bit of everything to try to solidify myself in the mainstream, but I don’t care what the f— is gonna happen with this next album. I love the adrenaline of not knowing whether people are going to like it,” she said further.
Anitta’s journey is marked by milestones, including her performance at the 2023 VMAs and her nomination for Best New Artist at the 2023 Grammy Awards. Reflecting on her achievements, she expressed gratitude and hope for the future of Brazilian music on the global stage.
“I’m so happy… It’s been half a century. Fifty years that Brazil is not here in a main category. So, for me, we’re making history. My whole country is watching in Brazil, waiting for this. I’m really happy. For me, the victory is to be here tonight, to be honest. I hope with my presence here I can open room for more artists from Brazil to come here, so we don’t have to wait for 50 years. I’m really happy and it’s a really long journey,” she stated.
