Gisela João

After having hosted pretty much every fado superstar of recent years (Mariza, Misia, Carminho and Cristina Branco, to name just a few), Ljubljana can now finally say a proper hello to Gisela João. Careful though: fado is only part of a musical language that has made her one of the leading voices in Portuguese music, and an artist treasured for an artistic identity that bridges tradition and contemporary expression with straightforward brilliance.

Last year’s Inquieta takes a fresh look at major works by such legends such as José Afonso, José Mário Branco and Sérgio Godinho, with new arrangements that translate their songs into a musical idiom very much of the present moment. The album, complete with superb arrangements by guitarist Carlos Rodenas Martinez, browses the themes of freedom, memory and collective identity while showcasing the beautiful clarity and emotional immediacy of Gisela’s voice. It’s a new chapter in her artistic development, but her virtues are constant: an ability to move between genres and styles, from acoustic to electronic to alternative, while retaining a clear and highly personal voice.

In short: Gisela João’s performance will be another one of those musical (and visual) delights that Druga Godba specialises in bringing you. We’ll be talking about it long after the last note has sounded, so be sure not to miss out.

Co-produced by DrugaGodba & Kino Šiška.