Mariza

Mariza
Mariza in 2007
Mariza in 2007
Background information
Birth nameMarisa dos Reis Nunes
Born (1973-12-16) 16 December 1973 (age 50)
Lourenço Marques, Portuguese Mozambique
OriginLisbon, Portugal
Genres
Occupation(s)
Instrument(s)Vocals
Years active1997–present
LabelsWarner Music
Websitewww.mariza.com

Marisa dos Reis Nunes ComIH (born 16 December 1973), known professionally as Mariza (Portuguese pronunciation: [mɐˈɾizɐ]), is a Portuguese fado singer.[1][2]

Mariza was born in Lourenço Marques, Portuguese Mozambique, to a Portuguese father, José Brandão Nunes, and a Mozambican mother, Isabel Nunes.[3] When she was three years old, her family moved to Metropolitan Portugal, and she was raised in Lisbon's historic quarters of Mouraria and Alfama. While very young, she began singing in a wide variety of musical styles, including gospel, soul and jazz. Her father strongly encouraged her to adopt fado; he felt that participating in the traditional music would grant her greater acceptance in the Portuguese community. Mariza has sold over 1 million records worldwide.[4]

  1. ^ John McKie, "The interview: John McKie: Mariza", The Times, March 2, 2003, retrieved 11-11-2009
  2. ^ Clive Davis, "Mariza, fado star", The Times, 14 September 2008, retrieved 11-11-2009
  3. ^ The Tennessean, Arts & Entertainment, 8 March 2009, p. 14
  4. ^ Diario de Noticias: Até hoje Mariza já vendeu um milhão de discos 21 June 2008, retrieved 29 October 2010