Mariza
Multi award-winning fado-singer and global icon performs her powerful blend of traditional and contemporary song forms
20 years of music. 20 years of a journey that began as an almost hidden local phenomenon, shared only by a small circle of Lisbon admirers.
Mariza has gone on to become one of the world’s greatest and most renowned singers. A true ambassador of Fado, Mariza does not hesitate to take it along new and daring paths, without ever losing sight of her soul.
As always, her musical partners continue to be only the best: Jaques Morelenbaum and John Mauceri, José Merce and Miguel Poveda, Gilberto Gil and Ivan Lins, Lenny Kravitz and Sting, Cesária Évora and Tito Paris, Vanesa Martín and Sergio Dalma, Rui Veloso and Carlos do Carmo. Along the way she has taken fado to some of the world’s greatest stages, Carnegie Hall in New York, the Royal Albert Hall in London, Paris Olympia and Sydney Opera House, and has sold over one million records. And her repertoire, while remaining firmly anchored in classical and contemporary Fado, has expanded to include Cape Verdean mornas, Rhythm & Blues classics and the musical flavours of Brazil, Spain and Mozambique.
It is said that no fado singer can ever be a 'true' fado singer until they tackle the classics and makes them unmistakably their own. And as befits someone who grew up in the old Lisbon neighbourhood of Mouraria surrounded by the music, Mariza continues to prove herself as fado’s great voice as she builds something new within the confines of the tradition.
Plus support from multi award-winning Scottish singer and songwriter Georgia Cécile whose latest EP City Girl is infused with jazz roots, but breaks into the soundworld of soul and motown. The songs radiate with the sonic warmth of late 60s soul-jazz inspired by the likes of Quincy Jones, with a fresh, gritty, cool vibe reminiscent of Esperanza Spalding and Lianne La Havas. With lush live strings and groovy horns framing poetic heart-felt lyrics, this music is meant to uplift and renew all who encounter it.
Presented by Brighton Dome and Serious
'If fado is synonymous with melancholia, she reminds us how much joy and sensuality reside in the music as well.'The Times
'World divas come no classier than Mariza, whose charismatic presence and stunning voice have turned her and fado into an international force.'The Observer
'Mariza’s voice has ripened into a more expressive and seductive instrument than ever – the effect is like crossing the purity of Joan Baez with the emotional heft of Edith Piaf. This is soul-bearing at its most thrilling.'Songlines
