Portuguese Music

Portugal is known all over the world for its music. It has the best musicians and singers along with instruments that are indigenous to Portugal.
Among the native styles, Fado is a well-known name. It was born in Lisbon among the urban poor. Lyrics included that of sadness, poverty and loneliness, but they were not languidly told as there was a sense of controlled music. These songs were created as husbands of many women sailed to never seen lands while most of them never came back. Fado means fate in Portuguese. Some claim that the Arabic imprints are seen in the use of instruments although the Arabs are known to have left in the 13th century.
Fado gained momentum in the 19th century in Coimbra city; it had been refined and sounds majestic. They had been known as songs of those to cherish their illusions not for those who seem to have lost them.
Amalia Rodrigues the actress and singer took fado to new heights in 1939. It became an international sensation with her various styles that she added to it. Jose Afonso was the rival of that time, he was a performing artist with music that had roots deeper in Portugal. Hence he has been known for the revival of the olden Portuguese music.
Classical music, native to the country takes a cake as it stands original to Portugal inspite of the many influences from the neighbouring countries. Artists that have made important contributions to creating originality go to Duarte Lobo, Frei Manuel Cardoso, Carlos Seixas, Filipe de Magalhaes, Freitas Branco. Famous singers include Luisa Todi and the renowned pianists of the time was Maria Joao Pires.
Regional music consists of Tras-os-Montes that are known as the music from Galicia, Asturias and Cantabria. Bagpipes and capella vocals have kept traditions alive. Mirandes is the most popular archaic language that the songs are sung in.
The region Baixo Alentejo is renowned for the polyphonic singing that sweeps one off his feet due to the rhythmic gala that the music brings along.
The political music that is known in the history of Portugal came to life during the fascist regime where songs were song for words that could not be said. There were a lot of metaphors used for democracy, freedom, equality etc. Many singers were even persecuted for this style of music.
Reggae and ska is another underground but popular style of music. It is more youth oriented especially in Lisbon. There are rock bands like Xutos e Pontapes that have been playing for the past 25 years. Moonspell is a well-known metal band that has found world success. Madredeus is among the best selling band that are indigenous with their roots. Other hip hop artists include Boss AC, Da Weasel and David Fonseca is known for pop rock.
There are some ethnic musicians who imbibe contemporary trends. Nelly Furtado is one such singer that has gained huge popularity in America and India. Her songs include new trends and a dash of her roots. Nuno Betterncourt is another singer that has gained similar popularity.