Traqitana

Traqitana formed in Lisbon in 2010 around vocalist Mara Pedro, with guitarist André Santos, bassist João Salgueiro, and drummer Gonçalo Marques. They started with an interest in fado but wanted to work with it differently, mixing it with contemporary sounds rather than sticking to tradition.

Their 2013 debut single "Fortes Nós" became widely known in Portugal. The song combined fado melodies with energetic beats and some hip-hop elements, with lyrics that resonated around themes of female resilience. It helped bring them to a broader audience.

After that, they kept experimenting, bringing in other influences like African rhythms and Brazilian bossa. Their approach sometimes drew criticism from fado traditionalists, particularly after a 2015 performance at the NOS Alive festival that sparked debates about cultural boundaries. Other songs like "Mar de Ontens" and "Mentem As Horas" continued their blend of traditional Portuguese music with modern production.