Fado Singer
Ramana Vieira
Ramana Vieira is a celebrated contemporary fado artist. Born in San Leandro, CA to Portuguese immigrants, she was raised on a diet of traditional fado music that has made its way into the very core of her being, with inspiration from Amália Rodrigues to Shakira and Dulce Pontes. Ramana and her ensemble play both classics and original music.
Fado is the most widely recognized genre of Portuguese music, dating back to the 19th century. The world fado literally means destiny or fate. Musically, fado is characterized by poetic lyrics related to the darker elements of love, loss, and redemption, as heard on her original composition “A Fadista” from her album Fado da Vida. Its eruptive ballads evoke the emotion of saudade—a yearning for something lost.
Ramana’s 20 plus year career includes opening for artists like Mariza; being invited by Congressman Jim Costa to perform for the President of the Azones, Portugal; and having her music being chosen to be featured on TAP Airlines, the flag carrier of Portugal.
Ramana’s original composition, “Unido Para Amar” was played at the 2006 Olympic opening ceremony. She has compiled a repertoire that reflects her identity by incorporating her background in American theater, blues, and soulful classics into her sets.
What Is Fado?
Fado is the most widely recognized genre of Portuguese music, dating back to 19th century. The word Fado literally means destiny or fate. Musically, Fado is characterized by poetic lyrics related to the darker elements of love, loss, redemption, and occasionally humor—as heard on her original composition “A Fadista” from her Fado da Vida album. Fado contains Moorish musical roots and must follow a specific musical structure. Its eruptive ballads evoke the emotion of saudade—a yearning for something lost. During a grievous time and turbulent era in Portuguese history, Fado was popularized as it served as a means of cathartic lamentation for the mourning and sorrowful.
Influences, Spirit & Artistry
Vieira grew up listening to American pop, alongside Portuguese folk music and Fado. “During my childhood, I sang with my mother to Amália Rodrigues and other famous Fadistas (or Fado musicians) that were part of mom’s special record collection,” says Vieira. It was apparent at an early age that Vieira possessed exceptional musical talent. She studied at the prestigious American Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco under the influence of Faith Winthrop. But a spontaneous trip to Portugal shifted her professional vision and catalyzed an exploration deep into the world of Fado. In Portugal, Vieira connected with her roots and found that Fado ignited her spirit and set her soul aflame. She began to study intensively with local Fadistas and began to perform at venues singing Fado during her stay in Portugal. She was loved by her fans in her homeland; her authentic and individual style was refreshing and well-received.