More than a decade after her last show in the state, acclaimed Portuguese
fadista Cuca Roseta returns with her performance titled ‘Mandovi-Tejo’.
In a tête a tête with NT BUZZ
CHRISTINE MACHADO | NT BUZZ
‘Mandovi-Tejo’ alludes to the two rivers in Portugal and Goa. What inspired you to choose this title for
your performance?
This special concert brings together two cultures that, despite their distance, share a deep musical connection. It celebrates the relationship between Portugal and India, particularly the friendship between Goa and Lisbon. The Tagus and Mandovi rivers serve as symbolic links for this concept. The concert not only brings the best of fado to Goa but also highlights Goan music.
Goan musicians will also be joining you for the performance. Could you share more about this?
I’ve always had a deep passion for India, especially Goa. I love the culture and the state. I visited once before and knew I had to return. In Portugal, we recently held a concert with the same idea, inviting Goan musicians. It was such a success that we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to do the same in Goa. I’m grateful to Fundação Oriente and Dr. Paulo Gomes (the director) for making this concert possible.
How does it feel to be back in Goa, and what are your thoughts on the love for fado here?
The sound of Goan music, especially mandos, feels very similar to fado. Returning to Goa was a dream, and now that dream has come true. I’ve sung in over 60 countries, in countless cities, but if there was one place I truly wanted to revisit, it was Goa.
You have previously sung in Konkani. Will you be singing in Konkani at this concert?
I love singing in Konkani. I don’t know why, but it feels like a part of me. The sound of the language is something I cherish. I want to bring more songs to this concert, but I also want the audience to experience the magic of fado.
You have also worked in Bollywood. Is that something you would consider doing again?
I would love to! It was a truly amazing and beautiful experience. I love Indian culture and traditions. Sometimes, I feel like I may have been an Indian in another life.
Apart from singing fados and dancing, you released a book of poetry in 2019. Has poetry always been a part of your life? Do you plan to publish more books?
I’ve been writing since I was very young. More and more, I feel the need to sing what I write—it’s the most direct way to express myself. It allows those who listen to truly understand what I want to convey. In the future, I definitely want to publish more books of my poetry.
You are known for pushing boundaries in fado, such as adding more joyful aspects and releasing an album entirely written and composed by you. These moves aren’t always easy. What gives you the confidence to move forward despite criticism?
I don’t see it as taking risks. An artist must be free to create what they feel, especially when it comes from a place of truth. I don’t pay much attention to criticism—it’s just opinions, and opinions should be respected.
My focus is always on creating something new with quality, while respecting tradition as much as possible—and, if possible, elevating it.
You previously released an album dedicated to the queen of fado, Amalia Rodrigues. Who are some of your other inspirations in fado?
Amalia has always been my biggest inspiration. It was because of her that I fell in love with fado at an early age. This album was a sincere tribute to her—for everything she taught me, inspired in me, and gave me through her singing. Without her, fado wouldn’t have reached so far or endured through time.
As fado evolves, where do you see it heading? What changes would you personally like to see?
Fado should continue evolving in its writing while always respecting tradition. It should also create sounds that captivate younger audiences. The work before us now is on how to modernise fado with balance and respect for tradition. Otherwise, it ceases to be fado. Our generation has both the power and the responsibility to ensure fado
endures forever.
What other projects are you currently working on?
I’m working on two major international projects. I would also love to record an album of traditional fados—I believe preserving tradition is essential.
(The show will be held on February 2, 7 p.m. at the courtyard of the Chapel of Our Lady of
the Mount, Old Goa, as part of the Monte Music Festival. Cuca Roseta’s guitarist, Sandro Costa, will also perform live on February 3 at the Figueiredo House, Loutolim.)
