Adiafa formed in 1996 in Alcácer do Sal, a town along Portugal's Sado River. The group started as childhood friends who shared an interest in traditional Portuguese music, particularly fado. Their original lineup included Anabela Fernandes on lead vocals, Ana Cid on backing vocals, Dulce Encarnação on guitar, João Varajão on bass, Luís Peixoto on accordion, and Manuel André on percussion.
Their song 'As Meninas Da Ribeira Do Sado' became a significant hit for the group. The track celebrates women living along the riverbanks, though some listeners interpreted it as promoting regionalism. Adiafa maintained the song was simply about their community.
Other songs like 'Oh Ana' and 'Meninas Façam Arquinho' continued their exploration of traditional Portuguese sounds with the group's particular arrangements. Their music drew from fado's emotional depth while incorporating their own instrumentation choices.
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