Entertainment · Music · 4 hrs ago
Funk singer Julyana Barbosa, known as Mulher Banana, dies
Brazilian funk singer Julyana Barbosa has died, according to tributes from fellow artists.
She was known as Mulher Banana and also performed as Garota X. She rose to prominence in the 2000s through Furacão 2000, a group that helped popularize Rio de Janeiro funk.
Her hit song “Mulher Banana” gave her the name she became known by.
She was among the first trans women to gain visibility in the genre, a milestone that fellow artist MC Xuxú said helped open doors in a society that marginalizes trans people.
Police in Nova Iguaçu, in Rio de Janeiro state, are investigating her death, and her body was sent for examination.
Her cause of death has not been disclosed, and police say inquiries are continuing to clarify what happened.
Julyana Barbosa, the funk singer known as Mulher Banana and Garota X, has died.
The cause of her death has not been disclosed.
Rio de Janeiro state police said the 52nd Police Station in Nova Iguaçu is investigating her death.
Barbosa rose to prominence in the 2000s through her connection with the Furacão 2000 team and her hit “Mulher Banana.”
She was remembered as a pioneer of trans representation in funk carioca.
- Who
- Julyana Barbosa, known as Mulher Banana and Garota X, a funk singer.
- What
- She has died. The cause of death has not been disclosed.
- When
- Reported on October 31, 2026; the exact date of her death is not stated.
- Where
- Not stated.
- Why
- Not stated. Police are investigating the circumstances of her death.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Barbosa gained prominence in music, particularly through her connection with the Furacão 2000 team.
News outlets reported her death; Rio de Janeiro state police said they were investigating.
- Full name
- Julyana Barbosa
- Stage names
- Mulher Banana; Garota X
- Music group
- Furacão 2000
- Breakthrough hit
- Mulher Banana
- Police station investigating
- 52nd Police Station, Nova Iguaçu
3 sources
What people are saying
A great loss for the world of funk! Our dear Mulher Banana has left us. Rest in peace! My condolences to her family, friends and all her fans. May God comfort everyone’s hearts at this difficult time.
A trans woman who made history.
She opened paths and occupied spaces, even in a society that still insists on marginalizing us. Her irreverence, her boldness and her existence are part of the history of funk and Brazilian trans resistance. May her name be remembered, respected and celebrated.