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Mariza began singing fado as a child, before she could read. Her father sketched out little cartoon stories to help her remember the lyrics. At the age of five, she would join in the spontaneous singing at her parent's restaurant in Mouraria, one of Lisbon’s most traditional neighborhoods. Mariza was born in Mozambique, but her family moved to Portugal when she was a baby, giving her plenty of time to get immersed directly in the "Fado Houses" where singing is part of everyday life. "They all stand on emotions", says Mariza, "Fado is an emotional kind of music full of passion, sorrow, jealousy, grief, and often satire."

Mariza walks the fine line necessary to both genuinely carry the fado's tradition and bring it freshness for today. Her performance style captures the raw emotion that characterizes the genre, but with her own personal twist. Mariza is a performer who has it all - charisma, stunning looks, a voice to die for and shows that deal in musical passion and drama. With her heart breaking voice, she performs with graceful, dramatic gestures, leaving slender wistful notes hanging in the air. If you cannot understand Portuguese, there is no problem. The way she sings fado communicates directly to the soul and the emotions, tugging at the heart with a performance that speaks of longing, love and nostalgia.

Supported by her impressive acoustic trio, her voice is a gorgeous, evocative instrument and Mariza sings with bravura and power. "This isn't an image! It's me! I like my hair like this... there's no rule that says all fadistas have to have black hair..." says Mariza, "And I like to see beautiful clothes and make-up on stage... I just do what I would like to see..."