Dino d’Santiago will serve as the Cultural, Diversity, and Inclusion Ambassador for Luís Marques Mendes’ presidential campaign, who sought the blessing of the singer’s father.
The announcement was shared earlier this week on the artist’s social media, alongside a moment where Marques Mendes speaks with both Dino and his father. “I received a special invitation,” reads the Instagram caption, disclosing: “I sat beside my father, my first mentor, as he always introduced me to the voices that inspired my path. I didn’t want to decide without his blessing.”
During a video call, Marques Mendes expressed that he believes Dino d’Santiago is the “marvelous and most suitable person” for the role. “I very much wanted your blessing, your help, your support, so we could try and have your son assist me,” he stated.
“I’m truly happy,” the artist’s father responded to Marques Mendes, wishing him luck. Marques Mendes appreciated the artist’s approach of consulting his father before accepting the position.
“My father’s blessing is given, the family was already voting for you, now with this mission, consider me part of your journey, and it will be an honor. With my father’s blessing, even better,” added Dino d’Santiago.
The 42-year-old artist was recognized by the government with the Medal of Cultural Merit in 2023, awarded “in recognition of his contributions to Portuguese-language musical creation and its global projection.”
See the moment in the gallery above.
