Fado masterpieces. Recommended popular songs.
Fado, the folk music of Portugal.
I’ve heard that in Portuguese, fado means “fate” or “destiny.”
The nostalgic plucking of the gut-string guitar contrasted with the heartrending, sobbing melodies of the vocals is dramatic.
Truly, the music of “fate”!
Fado masterpieces. Recommended popular songs (1–10)
Não Queiras Saber de MimRui Veloso e Mariza
Introducing a gem of a duet where the soul of Portugal intersects.
This song, woven by talents from different genres—Rui Veloso, the “father of Portuguese rock,” and the world-renowned fado singer Mariza—rides on the warm tones of acoustic guitar to portray emotions that are both aching and powerful.
The title, “Don’t Try to Know Me,” suggests a hidden sentiment that will strike a chord with listeners.
An inspiring live performance of this piece is included on Rui Veloso’s live album Ao Vivo no Pavilhão Atlântico, released in December 2009.
It’s a perfect track for those who want to explore the depth of Portuguese music or for a quiet night immersed in richly emotional sounds.
Sei De Um Rio [Official Music Video]Camané
![Sei De Um Rio [Official Music Video]Camané](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/pJouVU0jlH0/sddefault.jpg)
The cool, orthodox romantic-style fado singer currently active is Camane.
Born in Oeiras in 1967, he is a vocalist who began his professional career and started making albums after winning a fado contest in 1979.
Uma casa portuguesaAmália Rodrigues
Amália Rodrigues, the “Queen of Fado” whom Portugal proudly claims.
One of her gem-like songs gently portrays the warm air that fills Portuguese homes and the rhythms of everyday life, awakening nostalgic scenes in the listener’s heart.
While imbued with the distinctive melancholy of fado, it is marked by a tender, nurturing warmth in its melody.
Amália’s crystalline voice blends beautifully with the refined strains of the Portuguese guitar, drawing listeners into a nostalgic world.
The piece was released as a single in 1953 and was included the following year on the album “Amália Rodrigues Sings Fado From Portugal, Flamenco From Spain.” Her performance of the song also appears on the live album “Amália à l’Olympia,” recorded at Paris’s Olympia in 1956.
It is perfect for moments when you want to find calm, or for evenings spent dreaming of distant cultures.
Vieste do Fim do MundoGisela João
This song is a poignant masterpiece filled with melancholy, and it has been passed down by many fado singers.
Gisela João’s deeply expressive vocals blend beautifully with the sounds of the Portuguese guitar and viola.
The performance by the skater couple that appears in the video is also a nice touch.
Povo que lavas no RioAmália
When it comes to the essence of fado, isn’t it, after all, the female vocals that sing with heartbreaking, enka-like emotion? Amália Rodrigues was a singer and actress who represented Portugal and was once called the “Queen of Fado.” Although she has already passed away, her popularity among people has never waned.
Oiça Lá ó Senhor VinhoMariza
This is Mariza, a singer from Mozambique in Africa.
Her tall stature and small, striking face leave an unforgettable impression.
Mozambique was once a Portuguese colony.
Even today, as a remnant of that history, many people travel back and forth between Africa and Portugal.
Os BúziosAna Moura
Ana Moura, a luminary of Portugal’s music scene, is a singer who deftly blends traditional fado with jazz and pop.
Her deep, sensuous voice captivates audiences across borders.
The featured piece is a moving fado track where the gentle, rippling tones of the Portuguese guitar intertwine with her emotionally rich singing.
Seaside imagery, fervent prayers, and nostalgia meld together to touch the listener’s heartstrings.
The song is included on the album “Para Além da Saudade,” released in August 2007, and was featured on the music program “Family Contact.” The album achieved triple platinum status.
It’s perfect for a night when you want to immerse yourself in a beautifully wistful melody or find calm.