Portugal are kick-starting their Eurovision search once more this evening, with the famous Festival da Canção beginning with its first semi-final. One of the participants in Saturday’s show is fado performer Nadine, who will take part with her entry “Cheguei Aqui”
We spoke with Nadine about her passion for fado, the message behind her entry and who her early favourite in this year’s Eurovision is…
Olá Nadine! First of all, thank you for taking the time to speak to us. What can you tell us about yourself? What should we all know about Nadine?
Olá Sean! I am a fado singer, passionate about music and I like to sing truthfully and with my heart in my mouth. I am a human being in constant evolution and learning.
Can you remember your first experience in music? What made you want to be a musician?
I don’t remember my first musical experience because I was always a very musical child. I always felt the need to look for music on my own. My process in music came about very naturally over the years. I invested in training and ended up entering the market.
What was the reason behind your decision to participate in Festival da Canção this year?
It was unexpected and I was surprised by Anne’s invitation. However, I was happy to finally be able to work with two people I admire a lot – Anne and Tiago – and to take my work out of the Fado houses, reaching the general public.
Can you share the message behind your FdC entry “Cheguei Aqui”?
“Cheguei Aqui” is a song with some reminiscences of Fado that talks about resilience and hope for a new day that comes. I feel it could be a powerful “post-pandemic” anthem.
What is your general impression of Eurovision? Do you have any favourite entries from the contest?
I love Eurovision but I feel that there is a concern from competing countries to create a song that appeals to the contest. As for me, the main objective should be the creation of a good song, with identity, that represents them. Eurovision should be a cultural and musical sharing.
I think France chose a very strong, genuine and true song. Congratulations to Barbara Pravi!
If you could duet with any singer, who would it be and why?
It is difficult to answer this question because I have several people that I admire and that I would love to work with. However, if he were someone connected to Eurovision, I would say Salvador Sobral because I consider him, in addition to being a great artist, to be a very genuine person.
What is your favourite thing about Portugal that the rest of the world should know about?
I can’t choose just one thing. Fortunately, I live in a wonderful country with a fantastic climate, welcoming people, great food, beautiful scenery and where my great passion was born – Fado.
One last question – what would be the first thing you did if you won Eurovision in Rotterdam?
Pinch me. I wanted to make sure I wasn’t dreaming.
Thank you for taking the time to speak to us Nadine. We wish you the best of luck in Festival da Canção!
Nadine will take part in tonight’s first semi-final of Festival da Canção with the song “Cheguei Aqui”, hoping to represent Portugal in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest in Rotterdam.
Want to share the love with Nadine on social media? #YOU can find her on Facebook and Instagram, and can also follow her music releases on YouTube!
What do #YOU think of “Cheguei Aqui”? Share your thoughts with us on our forum HERE or join the discussion below and on social media!
