Mariza

Mariza is a Portuguese fado singer who popularized the traditional Portuguese musical genre to a global audience.

World Music Singer

December 16, 1973

51

Mariza, born Marisa dos Reis Nunes, is a renowned Portuguese fado singer who has played a significant role in modernizing and popularizing the traditional music genre worldwide. With her emotive voice and soulful performances, she has captivated audiences and gained recognition through albums such as Transparente, Terra, and Fado Curvo. Mariza has also collaborated with other artists, performed at international festivals, and contributed to film soundtracks like Fados and Fado, História de uma Cantadeira.

To honor the legendary fado singer Amália Rodrigues, Mariza added a “z” to her name, acknowledging Rodrigues’ influence on her music and life. Born in Mozambique, Mariza moved to Portugal with her family at a young age. Her father was a musician, and her mother owned a restaurant where Mariza often sang fado with patrons. Although she initially pursued a career in physical education, she eventually chose to focus on music full-time.

As of 2023, Mariza continues to enchant audiences with her fado performances, recently releasing a song called “Mãe” inspired by a poem written by her son. Her talent and popularity have garnered her a net worth estimated between $443,085 and $831,916, along with numerous awards and accolades, including three number one albums and over one million records sold worldwide. Fans eagerly await her upcoming performance at New York City’s Town Hall in April 2024.