Fado, from the barrios of Lisbon

Like tango is to Argentina, so fado is to Portugal. A powerful music tradition that encapsulates within its lyrics the hopes, the disappointments, the emotions, the love and the everyday struggle of life. Often described as a kind of Lisbon blues, fado (Portuguese for "fate") became the voice of those struggling to find happiness and success. Its popularity grew, first within Portugal and then beyond. Today, the music holds in its thrall an ever increasing international audience and even finds resonance in Bangkok. That's fado.

Lovers of world music should take note as Portugal's leading fadista, Mariza, will be performing in Bangkok on October 8 as a part of Bangkok's 11th International Festival of Dance & Music. She is recognised as one of the foremost exponents of fado with a dedicated audience in the US and Europe, and is credited with updating the genre for the contemporary audiences, internationalising the music without sacrificing its traditions.

A Grammy nominee, Mariza has been compared to Amalia Rodrigues, an icon of the fado tradition, but Mariza wants to expand on the tradition of fado and not just emulate the great fadistas of the past.

"The one thing I don't want to do with fado is to put it in a kind of museum. It needs to grow, it needs to walk further," she explains.

Her evocative voice and the seductive rhythms of fado ensure that listeners keep tuning in. Her performance style captures the raw emotion that characterises the genre, but it comes with her own personal twist. She makes sure that you understand the emotions even if you don't get the Portuguese lyrics. When she sings, even in a crowded auditorium, she sings directly to you, she communicates with you.

"Life is not a straight line - like passion, like music. It is fado. During seven years of international tours, I had the chance of discovering other peoples and cultures. I watched and I listened. I learned. This is reflected in my latest album, Terra. This is my truth. I've always been true to myself, and I've always been true to my fans. And I wanted this album to show my progress as a singer and a human being," says the singer.

The music tradition was born in the narrow streets of Lisbon's working class district and was nurtured in neighbourhood taverns. Its lyrics represent some of the finest poetry written in Portugal today and in the past. According to some historians the music may have its roots in Africa and was brought to Portuguese shores by trading ships during the 17th century while others believe it could have Brazilian origins. Yet another theory traces its origin to Moorish songs that remained in the quarter of Mouraria in Lisbon. Today, it has become the preserve of the world. Mariza likes experimenting with fado to the delight of her fans. All of Mariza's albums before Terra have gone platinum - Fado em Mim (2001), Fado Curvo (2003), Transparente (2005) and Concerto Em Lisboa (2006). Terra, too, should go that way if the previous record sales are any indication.

Mariza is recognised by the government of Portugal and in many European countries for her contribution to the arts and for increasing the presence of Portuguese music. In 2006, President Jorge Sampaio of Portugal recognised Mariza's contribution to Portuguese culture with the Order of Henry the Navigator. Her single O gente da minha terra, from the Fado em Mim album, the title song of Pang Ho-Cheung's film, Isabella, received the Silver Bear for best soundtrack at the 56th Berlin Film Festival. Later in 2007 she was nominated for best international artist at the Finnish Emma Gaala Awards, together with Robbie Williams, Andrea Bocelli, Basshunter, Iron Maiden and Red Hot Chili Peppers. Her latest accolade comes from the Paris Academy of Arts, Sciences and Letters, which honoured Mariza with the prestigious Medaille de Vermeil in 2008.

While appreciative of all the honour, Mariza believes the ultimate accolade comes from her fans. Traditionally, fado is performed in a small space where tables have been pushed back to make room for the musicians and standing room for the singer. And it is to Mariza's credit that she can, with her powerful voice, recreate that atmosphere even in an auditorium.

Bangkok's 11th International Festival of Dance & Music is sponsored by Bangkok Bank, B. Grimm, 'Bangkok Post', Dusit Thani Hotel, King Power Group, SCG, Thai Airways International, Tourism Authority of Thailand and Toyota Motor Thailand Co, Ltd.

Mariza's performance will be held at the Thailand Cultural Centre on October 8, 7:30pm. Tickets are 2,000, 1,600, 1,300, 1,100 and 600 baht. Call 02-262-3456, or visit http://www.thaiticketmajor.com.

Relate Search: Lisbon blues, Mariza, Amalia Rodrigues, album Terra