Karina Zeviani Obituary, Cause of Death: Thievery Corporation Mourns the Loss of a Beloved Artist who Dies At 51
The music world is mourning the loss of Karina Stefania Zeviani, the Brazilian singer and songwriter whose distinctive voice carried her across international stages and into the hearts of audiences around the world.
Karina died on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at the age of 51, while undergoing treatment in São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo. Her death was confirmed by the Prefeitura de Jaboticabal, her hometown. She had been battling cancer for approximately two years.
For many listeners, Karina was more than a singer. She was an artist whose career crossed borders and musical styles. In 2005, she became associated with the American collective Thievery Corporation, spending years performing internationally with the group. She later joined the French project Nouvelle Vague, further establishing a career that took her through cities including London, Paris and New York.
Before returning to Brazil, Karina spent years building her artistic identity abroad. She had initially worked as a photographic model before discovering a deeper connection with music. Her experiences overseas eventually led her into international musical circles and collaborations that would become defining chapters of her career.
Back in Brazil, Karina continued developing her own artistic voice. In 2012, she released her solo album Amor Inventado, a collection that reflected her experiences and musical influences. Her work remained connected to a broad range of Brazilian and international sounds.
Karina gained another wave of recognition in 2020, when she competed on the ninth season of The Voice Brasil. During the blind auditions, she performed Peninha’s “Sonhos” and joined Carlinhos Brown’s team, advancing to the Battles before leaving the competition.
In the final years of her life, Karina openly shared aspects of her cancer treatment with supporters. Reports said the disease later progressed to her liver and bones, and she experienced serious complications that included infections, anemia requiring transfusions and an intensive-care hospitalization. In September, she had spoken publicly about beginning another round of intravenous chemotherapy after an earlier treatment stopped producing the hoped-for response.
Her death prompted an outpouring of grief from friends and fellow artists. Actress Luana Piovani shared an emotional tribute, while model Luciana Curtis also mourned the singer publicly, describing her as a beloved friend.
Karina’s passing marks the end of a life shaped by movement, music and artistic exploration. From her beginnings in Jaboticabal to stages and creative communities abroad, and later to Brazilian television and her own solo work, she left behind a body of work that reached far beyond the places where she lived.
She was not simply remembered for a television appearance or a particular musical collaboration. Her career reflected years of persistence, reinvention and a willingness to follow music wherever it led.
Karina Zeviani is survived by her parents and husband. A wake was scheduled for October 2 at the Complexo Funerário Terra Nossa in Jaboticabal, followed by burial at the Municipal Cemetery.
Her voice may no longer be heard in new performances, but the recordings, collaborations and memories she left behind will continue to carry her presence.
May Karina Zeviani be remembered not only for the circumstances of her final years, but for the music, artistry and life she shared with the world.
