From Funk to Sertanejo: MC Teteu Reinvents Himself as a Country Music Singer

Mateus Correia da Silva, formerly known as MC Teteu, has transitioned from the explicit funk genre to sertanejo, a Brazilian country music style. At 14, he gained fame in 2019 with the erotic funk hit "Dingo Bell," known for its provocative lyrics. Now 21, and a father to a six-month-old son, Mateus has rebranded himself as Menor Teteu and is pursuing a career in sertanejo, citing a desire to change his public image and set a better example for his child. He expressed a wish to stop using profanity and to have his son hear more appropriate music. This career shift follows a previous statement in 2023 where he indicated a potential move towards gospel music, but ultimately landed in sertanejo. His first sertanejo project, an audiovisual titled "Peneira do Teteu," released in June, features covers of established sertanejo hits by artists like Matogrosso & Mathias and Leonardo. Menor Teteu plans to release his first original sertanejo song in August and launch a full band show and tour in October. Notably, he has maintained his distinctive visual style from his funk days, including athletic wear, caps, and Juliet glasses, eschewing traditional sertanejo fashion. This contrast has drawn attention and humorous commentary on social media, which Teteu embraces as a way to differentiate himself. He acknowledges the importance of his funk origins while aiming to overcome potential prejudice in the sertanejo scene, drawing inspiration from artists like Zezé Di Camargo & Luciano and Gusttavo Lima.