Mariza, born Marisa dos Reis Nunes in 1973, is a Portuguese fado singer, also associated with world music and contemporary Portuguese music. She was born in Lourenço Marques, Portuguese Mozambique, and grew up in Lisbon, where she became closely connected with the fado tradition.
She became internationally known with her debut album Fado em Mim and later important albums such as Fado Curvo, Transparente, Terra, Mundo, Mariza, and Mariza Canta Amália. Well-known songs include “Ó Gente da Minha Terra,” “Chuva,” “Quem Me Dera,” “Meu Fado Meu,” and “Melhor de Mim.” Apple Music describes her as one of fado’s best-known global representatives, while Deezer also identifies her as a major heir to the tradition of Amália Rodrigues.
Mariza is known for bringing Portuguese fado to international audiences, combining traditional emotional fado singing with influences from Mozambique, folk, pop, jazz, and other Lusophone musical traditions.