Madredeus

Portuguese fado-inspired music group

Madredeus is a Portuguese musical ensemble formed in 1985 by guitarist Pedro Ayres Magalhães. The group's music combines traditional Portuguese music, particularly fado, with influences from modern folk music. The band's sound is characterized by the haunting voice of lead singer Teresa Salgueiro and the use of classical instruments with a contemporary twist. Madredeus gained international recognition with the release of their 1987 album "Os Dias da Madredeus," and their popularity continued to grow both in Portugal and abroad. They have toured extensively and released several albums, with their work often reflecting themes of Portuguese culture, history, and identity. The albums "O Paraíso" (1997) and "Electronico" (2002) showcase the band's ability to evolve; "O Paraíso" continued their tradition of acoustic-based music, while "Electronico" saw them experimenting with electronic remixes of their previous work. "Antologia," a compilation album, provides a retrospective of their career, featuring some of their most beloved tracks. Madredeus' contributions to world music have earned them a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim.