A Portuguese singer residing in the United States is set to launch her fado album there, marking a first for a Portuguese artist. This album, imbued with multicultural influences, reflects the rich musical heritage of both Portugal and the U.S.
“It makes sense to me as an artist who has traveled extensively, and this multiculturalism is reflected in my music,” said Mariana Arroja. “Since the United States had a significant impact on my musical growth, it makes sense to present it here and bring these two worlds, Portugal and the U.S., together.”
The album release is scheduled at The Freight in Berkeley, a venue previously graced by renowned Portuguese artists such as fado singer Mariza.
In nearby San Francisco, Arroja connected with the nonprofit organization CALuso, which appreciated her project and decided to support her U.S. album launch.
“I decided it was the perfect place to launch my first album, also due to all the support from the community and institutions supporting me.”
Arroja recorded the album between the studio of Brazilian musician Yamandu Costa and the California Institute of the Arts.
The compositions, with lyrics by poet Maria Manuel Cid, are described as “a masterful blend of tradition and reinvention,” envisioning fado through a global soundscape.
Featuring 11 tracks, ‘O Meu Nome é Ninguém’ was recorded with João José Pita Júnior on viola (also the producer), André Dias on the Portuguese guitar, Fernando Dalcin on mandolin, and Walter Areia on double bass. Bebê Kramer plays the accordion on two tracks, and Manel Ferreira features on viola in “Saudade é como areia.”
The launch event will include a performance by Mariana Arroja, which will be filmed for inclusion in a documentary and is part of a ten-concert U.S. tour. The event is also supported by TAP Air Portugal and Evaton, a Sogrape group company.
Previously, Arroja produced the short documentary ‘A Calçada Portuguesa Conhece-te,’ screened in Los Angeles last year to support the Portuguese pavement nomination for UNESCO World Heritage status.
In 2024, Mariana Arroja received an honorable mention at the Portuguese Tribune Awards in the Musical Artist of the Year category.
Having emigrated at 18, Mariana Arroja began singing fado in Scotland, maintaining her connection to Portugal.
