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Cláudia Madur: The Fadista behind Destino Fado

Fado, Portugal’s most well-known musical genre, is distinguished by its enduring melodies and deep emotional impact. Famous people like Carlos do Carmo and Amália Rodrigues have permanently altered the genre and the public’s perception of fado. Cláudia Madur, the fadista behind Destino Fado, a promising venue in Porto where Fado is sung in the afternoon, is one of the most active voices upholding the genre today.

Cláudia Madur’s Career

Cláudia was born in Baião, Porto, on November 30, 1983, and developed a love for music at a young age. Encouraged by her dad, she started her music journey at the age of six at the “Casa da Música de Baião”. She began by playing the piano and clarinet before realizing that singing was her biggest passion.

Cáudia Madur decided to study psychology at “Universidade Lusíada do Porto” where she joined the Female “Tuna” where she started by playing “pandeireta” until finally, she became a solo singer.

António Sérgio, her mentor, pushed her to sing the well-known fado “Barco Negro,” made famous by Amália Rodrigues. With this performance, Madur won numerous prizes as “Best Soloist” at national and international tuna festivals.

Cláudia Madur made her debut in June 2006, singing in various places around Portugal. Later, in 2009, her debut album “Fado Sem Tempo” included original poetry, by Cláudia herself, put to classic fado tunes. The record, which was produced by Artur Caldeira, had well-known performers José Fidalgo on the bass and José Luís Nobre Costa on the Portuguese guitar.

A Global Fado Representative

Cláudia’s debut album brought her prominence on a global scale. She began performing regularly in Germany, France, Spain, Cyprus, Switzerland, Denmark, the United States, and Turkey. Moreover, compilations like “Divas do Fado,” which included her songs “Ser Fadista” and “Porto Sentido,” and the international compilation “Beginner’s Guide to Fado,” which included her performance of “Ó Gente da Minha Terra.”

Learn about: The history and tradition of the Portuguese guitar

Destino Fado

Cláudia Madur became the primary fadista and creative director of Destino Fado in Porto in 2024.
Destino Fado is known for its fado sessions for audiences from all over the world set in a mansion from the 19th century with great acoustics and well-decorated rooms that will transport you back in time. During the performances, guests are invited to taste Porto wine and traditional Portuguese pastries.

As creative director, Cláudia Madur invites promising contemporary fadistas to perform and show what best is made in Portugal regarding this ancient musical tradition. Besides curating the fadistas present in Destino Fado Claúdia also performs in the main Hall of Destino Fado, filling in all the building with her great voice.

As an artist, Cláudia Madur keeps developing, interpreting fado in fresh ways while adhering to its origins. She is still dedicated to conserving and advancing this distinctive Portuguese art form in Porto and abroad through Destino Fado.

A night at Destino Fado is a must for everyone traveling to Porto. Each concert is transformed into an unforgettable experience.