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Top 15 Fado singers of all time

Originally published by Anna on May  2019 and Updated by Beatrice J on May 2024

Fado comes from Portugal! In a few words, Fado is the truest expression of the Portuguese soul. It is a popular music genre that was born in Lisbon. While listening to Fado, you will notice that when the rhythm is slower, the song is usually related to nostalgia and feelings of sadness. However, when the rhythm is faster, the song refers to joy, happiness and amusement. Most of the time, Fado lyrics are about love, tragedies, sorrow, difficulties in life, and Saudade among other emotions and themes. Normally, there is only one voice accompanied by a Portuguese guitar.

Between 1840 and 1869, the Fado was spontaneous and very popular, it used to be sung in taverns and narrow alleys. It used to be associated with prostitution, vagrancy and expressed melancholy, sadness, fear, bitterness, feelings that were characteristic of these people. But it did not last long, until Fado obtained more fans from the bourgeoisie and the nobility that were willing to go to the poorer and most damaged neighborhoods to listen to it.

Between the 1930’s and the 1950’s, the Fado experienced a glorious period, which coincided with the advent of the radio, enabling the broad and efficient exposure of the Fado. Over the years, the Fado adapted accordingly to its times and was modernized. This is why it is timeless and will always be heard in the streets of Lisbon!

“É por amor que cantamos até já não termos voz;
É por amor que se aposta toda a vida num segundo;
Porque quando a gente gosta muda tudo até o mundo.”

It is for Love’s sake that we sing until we’re voiceless;
It if for Love’s sake that we stake our life in a second;
Because when one loves, everything changes, even the world.

As you see in Kátia Guerreiro’s lyrics, the theme of the song is love. The rhythm is joyful, which means it is to be interpreted as a happy feeling. It talks about what one is capable of when in love. Love has no boundaries. We have to embrace the feeling of Love. If you want to find out more about Fado and Fado singers, read on and discover my top 5 Fado singers of all time!

The queen: Amália Rodrigues

First on my top 5 Fado singers of all time is obviously the most famous one, the Queen of Fado, Amália Rodrigues! She is the most representative figure of the Fado music genre. If you need to know one Fado singers, Amália Rodrigues is definitely the one you should know about!

Amália’s singings talents were essential to the definition of the Fado music genre. Thanks to her, Fado has travelled around the world, from Lisbon, Europe to the United States, she was the first Portuguese woman ever to appear on American television, on NBC TV show Coke Time with Eddie Fisher in 1953.

A lot of her songs simply were the poems of some of the greatest poets of Portugal, that are now classics that were performed by a new generation of Fado singers.

Amália Rodrigues died in 1999 and her contribution to the Portuguese culture was recognized. She was honoured for it and given a tomb in the Panteão Nacional in Lisbon. Also, the house where she used to live in Lisbon was turned into a museum. I strongly advise you to visit these two places if you want to learn more about Amália Rodrigues and important Portuguese figures in general.

The most faithful to the tradition: Camané

Next on my top 5 Fado singers of all time is Camané, who is considered to be the greatest male Fado singer of the new generation of Fado singers. His first album, called Uma Noite de Fados (A Night of Fados, in English), was recorded in 1995. Since then, he has recorded half a dozen of other albums that have reached many countries around the world, from Europe to Asia. If you enjoy traditional Fado, I’m sure you will like his songs!

The diva: Mariza

For some, she is thought to be the “new” Amália. I present you Mariza! She is indeed, without a doubt, the most successful Fado singer of recent years. She’s very famous both nationally and internationally. Mariza has sung in some of the greatest music venues of Europe, United States, and Australia.

Born in Mozambique from a Portuguese father and an African mother, she moved to Lisbon when she was a child. At an early age, she started singing a little of everything, from pop songs to Fado songs. One can see the influences in her records, because her Fado brings together many different instruments and rhythms, although the majority of her songs are Portuguese classical themes.

If you get to see her live performing, I’m sure you will thoroughly enjoy it, since she has a very strong presence!

The captivating: Dulce Pontes

Although she offers a panel of several musical styles when singing, Dulce Pontes is one of the greatest responsible for the revival of Fado and for appearance of new Fado singers, which is why she is part of my top 5 Fado singers of all time!

Dulce Pontes is known for mixing different music styles, combining Fado with folklore and classic music, but her most impressive talent and what distringuishes her from other Fado singers is her incredibly powerful voice!

The king: Carlos do Carmo

While Amália Rodrigues is the queen of Fado, Carlos do Carmo is definitely the king! He’s definitely the greatest male Fado singer! He has recorded many albums since the 1960’s. Carlos do Carmo’s Fado songs are very traditional, but I’ve already heard a few people compare him to Frank Sinatra and some of them even heard a touch of Jazz in his performances.

Teresa Salgueiro

Teresa Salgueiro is well-known in Portuguese music, particularly for Fado, a traditional and emotional music style from Portugal. Teresa is famous for being the main singer of Madredeus, a well-known music group from Portugal. She joined them back in 1987 and has been a key part of their success.

Her singing is full of feeling and has helped make Fado music more modern while keeping its classic style. With Madredeus, Teresa helped make Fado music popular beyond Portugal, reaching people all over the world. This fresh take has made more people interested in Fado.

Gisela João

Gisela João, born in 1983, has become a leading voice in contemporary Fado. Her passion for the genre blossomed at a young age, and by 16 she was already performing in Porto’s Fado houses. After pursuing design studies, she relocated to Lisbon, the heart of Fado, to fully immerse herself in the art form.

Her critically acclaimed debut album in 2013 skyrocketed to the top of the Portuguese charts. João’s captivating performances blend traditional Fado with contemporary influences, all delivered with her soulful vocals. Whether gracing the stages of Lisbon’s Mouraria or renowned venues like Casa da Música, she enthralls audiences with her depth and emotional delivery.

Mísia: A Pioneering Voice in Fado

Mísia, born Susana Maria Alfonso de Aguiar in 1955, is a legendary figure revered in the world of Fado. Her unique musical style reflects her multicultural background, incorporating elements like tango and bolero alongside traditional Fado. She’s skilled in languages and sings Fado in many languages, including Portuguese, Spanish, French, Catalan, English, and Japanese.

Her 1998 album Garras dos Sentidos exemplifies this innovative approach, featuring traditional melodies interwoven with lyrics by famous Portuguese poets. Throughout her career, Mísia has graced prestigious stages worldwide, playing a pivotal role in modernizing Fado and propelling it to international recognition.

Teresa Salgueiro’s work with famous artists and her deep appreciation for tradition have established her as a pioneer in Fado music.

At the same time, her incorporation of modern elements has further cemented her innovative role in the genre’s development.

Cristina Branco

Cristina Branco is a renowned Fado singer who has made a name for herself in the Portuguese music scene. She was born in Almeirim, Portugal, and started with jazz before falling in love with Fado, inspired by the legendary Amália Rodrigues.

Cristina has released 18 albums and performed worldwide, mixing Fado with jazz and literary elements, making her music relatable to many. Her collaborative work with writers has led to fresh takes on Fado. Her latest album, ²Ñã±ð,’ is a passionate mix to Fado and has been recognized with a nomination for a prestigious Portuguese music award.

Ana Moura

Ana Moura is a Fado star with a deep, captivating voice. Born in ³§²¹²Ô³Ù²¹°ùé³¾, Portugal, she gained attention early in her career and was even up for a major Dutch music award. Ana’s first album came out in 2003, and she quickly became a familiar face on TV, spreading the word about Fado.

Her album Para Além da Saudade was a huge hit, earning triple platinum status and staying on the charts for a long time. Ana is known for her energetic performances and for reviving the popularity of Fado music, including performing with the Rolling Stones.

Carminho

Carminho stands out in the Fado scene for mixing classic styles with new vibes. Growing up in a family that loved music, she started performing Fado at a young age. She’s now a star beyond Portugal’s borders, with her music earning top honors and even a Latin Grammy nomination.

Carminho’s impact comes from her talent for merging Fado with different music styles, like Brazilian tunes, refreshing the genre and drawing in more listeners.

Kátia Guerreiro

Kátia Guerreiro shines in the Fado world with her deeply expressive music. Though she’s an eye doctor, she also follows her heart into music. Her performances are known for their heartfelt delivery, often weaving in modern Portuguese poetry.

Kátia has earned high honors for her dual contributions to culture and medicine, including recognition from France and Portugal. Her influence is rooted in her ability to share Fado with wider audiences and her commitment to nurturing the genre’s growth.

Her love for fado and her commitment to music have earned her a big name. She touches people’s hearts with her emotional singing and has a strong bond with fado’s history.

Fernando Maurício

Fernando Maurício, often called the King of Fado, grew up in Lisbon’s Mouraria, a cradle of Fado music. Born in 1933, he started his singing career early and became a cherished icon in Portugal, gracing Fado shows for over twenty years.

His performances, both in Portugal and internationally, played a significant role in popularizing Fado. Despite his success, he stayed true to his humble beginnings, often singing for charitable causes. His work in Fado music is greatly valued and continues to influence fans and artists globally.

Alfredo Marceneiro

Alfredo Marceneiro was a master carpenter before he rose to fame as a Fado singer with his distinctive style. Born in 1891 as Alfredo Rodrigo Duarte, he became a standard for Fado artists with his renditions of classic Lisbon tunes.

He was a pioneer in bringing Fado to prestigious venues, thus enhancing the genre’s prestige. His contribution to Fado is immortalized through his timeless songs and the honor of being named a Commander of the Order of Infante D. Henrique after his passing.

Mafalda Arnauth

Mafalda Arnauth, a renowned fado singer from Portugal, was born on October 4, 1974, in Lisbon. Although she always loved music, becoming a professional singer wasn’t her initial goal. In fact, it was during her veterinary studies at university that she felt a pull towards the music industry.

In 1995, her musical career took off after João Braga invited her to sing at a concert in S. Luis’s Theater. This led to her first album in 1999, which received rave reviews and won her the title of Best New Artist from Blitz magazine. Her debut showcased her distinctive voice and modern take on fado, winning over both audiences and critics.

My top 15 Fado singers of all time is now over, but there are still many other artists for you to listen to, such as Ana Moura, Carminho, Kátia Guerreiro for instance! This emotion-filled music genre was born in the streets of Lisbon. Walk the most traditional neighborhoods of Lisbon to have a real taste of Fado. Get lost in neighborhoods like Alfama, roam aimlessly and stumble upon its narrow alleys and cafés. Talk to the locals and learn more about their lifestyle and culture. If you’re curious and interested in Fado, I recommend you to visit the Fado Museum, the Museu do Fado. Our Alfama walking tour ends near the museum, so it can be a great opportunity to visit it! I hope to see you soon in Lisbon!