Fado is a traditional but also contemporary style of singing in Portugal. The word comes from the Latin fatum, which means fate or destiny. Fado represents a feeling of “saudade,” an expression evoking longing, yearning and nostalgia but it can also be romantic. The songs are often melancholy, beautiful and emotional, sometimes transmitting a feeling of loving frustration and at other times cheerfulness too. Linda Leonardo was born for fado. From a very early age, even while still at school, her passion for fado was apparent, and by the age of twenty she had begun performing at the most prestigious ‘Fado houses’ in both Lisbon and Porto. Marino de Freitas, musician, bassist, composer and producer, was born in Madeira into a family of musicians. He studied at the Funchal Music Conservatoire and the Musicians Academy in London, where he graduated with distinction.
