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FADO (translated as destiny or fate) is a music genre which most likely originated in the 1820s in Portugal, but probably with much earlier origins. It is characterized by mournful tunes and lyrics, often about the sea or the life of the poor. The music is usually linked to the Portuguese word SAUDADE, a word with no accurate English translation. (It is a kind of longing, and conveys a complex mixture of mainly nostalgia, but also sadness, pain, happiness and love) Some enthusiasts claim that Fado’s origins are a mixture of African slave rhythms with the traditional music of Portuguese sailors and Arabic influence.

There are two main varieties of fado, namely those of the cities of Lisbon and Coimbra. The Lisbon style is the most popular, while Coimbra’s fado is the more refined style.

Modern fado is popular in Portugal, and has produced many renowned singers.

Camané

Pedro Moutinho

Carlos Zel

The Great

Amália Carlos do Carmo

Margarida Bessa

Coimbra’s Fado

Rao Kiao

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