Mariza

Mariza. A Portuguese fado singer widely credited with revitalizing the genre for a 21st-century global audience. Born in Mozambique and raised in the historic Lisbon neighborhood of Mouraria, she has become an international symbol of Portuguese culture. Her powerful, emotive voice and modern stage presence have earned her numerous accolades and sold-out performances at prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall and the Royal Albert Hall.

Early life and background

Mariza was born in Lourenço Marques (now Maputo) in the former Portuguese Mozambique. Her father was Portuguese and her mother was part Mozambican. The family moved to Portugal following the Carnation Revolution and the subsequent independence of Mozambique. She grew up in Mouraria, a traditional fado quarter in Lisbon, where her parents ran a tavern. Immersed in the local music scene from childhood, she began singing in her family's establishment and was deeply influenced by the fado tradition of the neighborhood. Her early musical education was eclectic, also encompassing gospel, soul, and jazz heard on the radio.

Musical career

Mariza's professional breakthrough came in 1999 with an invitation to perform at the tribute concert for the legendary Amália Rodrigues at the Lisbon Coliseum. Her performance captivated the nation and led to a recording contract with EMI. Her debut album, Fado em Mim (2001), was a massive commercial and critical success in Portugal, blending traditional fado with contemporary production. This established her as the new face of the genre. Subsequent international releases like Fado Curvo (2003) and Transparente (2005) solidified her global reputation, with tours taking her to major festivals and concert halls worldwide, including the WOMAD festival and the Olympia in Paris. She has collaborated with artists across genres, such as Sting, Gilberto Gil, and the Bulgarian State Television Female Vocal Choir.

Musical style and influences

Mariza's music is firmly rooted in the Lisbon style of fado, characterized by its melancholic and soulful themes of saudade, destiny, and the sea. Her vocal delivery is noted for its clarity, dramatic power, and precise melisma. While honoring the traditional structures and instrumentation, typically featuring the Portuguese guitar, classical guitar, and acoustic bass guitar, she incorporates modern musical elements. Her arrangements often introduce subtle influences from jazz, blues, and Latin music, broadening fado's sonic palette. Primary influences include the iconic Amália Rodrigues, as well as other greats like Carlos do Carmo and Alfredo Marceneiro. She also cites diverse inspirations from Ella Fitzgerald to Cesária Évora.

Discography

Mariza's studio albums chronicle her artistic evolution while consistently topping charts in Portugal. Her major releases include *Fado em Mim* (2001), *Fado Curvo* (2003), *Transparente* (2005), *Terra* (2008), *Fado Tradicional* (2010), *Mundo* (2015), and *Mariza* (2018). The album Terra notably won the Latin Grammy Award for Best Folk Album. She has also released several live albums and DVDs, such as Concerto em Lisboa (2006), which capture the intensity of her performances. Her recordings are released internationally by labels like EMI and Warner Music Group.

Awards and recognition

Mariza has received extensive national and international honors for her contribution to music and culture. She has won multiple BBC Radio 3 Awards for World Music in the Europe category. In 2003, she was appointed a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations. She has been awarded several Portuguese Golden Globe awards and the Order of Prince Henry by the President of Portugal. Her album Terra earned her a Latin Grammy Award. She has also been nominated for a Grammy Award and has performed at the Eurovision Song Contest as an interval act. In 2018, she was honored with a star on the Walk of Fame in Albufeira, Portugal.

Category:Portuguese fado singers Category:Living people Category:1973 births