Mariza

Mariza dos Reis Nunes, known simply as Mariza, was born on December 16, 1973, in Lourenço Marques, which was then part of Portuguese Mozambique. She is a celebrated Portuguese fado singer, musician, and songwriter, whose powerful voice and emotive performances have captivated audiences around the globe.

At the tender age of three, Mariza's family relocated to Metropolitan Portugal, where she grew up in the vibrant neighborhoods of Mouraria and Alfama in Lisbon. It was in these historic quarters that her passion for music blossomed, as she explored a diverse range of genres including gospel, soul, and jazz.

Encouraged by her father, José Brandão Nunes, Mariza embraced the traditional music of fado, believing it would help her gain acceptance within the Portuguese community. This decision proved pivotal in her career, as she has since sold over one million records worldwide, establishing herself as a leading figure in contemporary fado.