People familiar with Portuguese culture would know about the Fado genre of music which is relatively unknown in North America and Europe. The genre makes use of the Saudade sentiment which apparently has no match in English language and could be loosely translated as nostalgia for something that can never be met with again and is associated with a deep sense of loss and sorrow. Fado seems to be influenced by African beats and the traditional music of Portuguese sailors.

The genre is characterized by mournful tunes and sorrowful lyrics depicting lost youth, death of a lover, or the loss of a nation even! Mariza, one of the most famous proponents and artists belonging to the Fado genre has already received critical acclaim in the U.S and U.K. She is almost a national figure in her home country of Portugal. Other artists famous in North America are Ramana Viera, Judith and Holofernes etc.

The usage of flamenco style music suggests a gypsy influence and has for long been the symbol of turmoil in the countries of Brazil and Portugal where Portuguese culture is most prevalent. One of the rarer types of music, Fado continues to elicit a Saudade response in people all over the world, whether they understand Portuguese or they don’t.

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Via: WorldMusicCentral