We meet the Lagos-born singer-songwriter, Diana Silveira.
You’re unlikely to see (and hear) a better stage performer than Diana Silveira. With her rich and soulful voice and captivating stage presence, it’s no surprise that in addition to being a talented artist in her own right, she’s also in demand as a mentor and coach, helping other performers to develop their own stagecraft.
Diana was born in Lagos but has lived all over Portugal, the USA, the UK, and even Lebanon. “I must have lived in nearly 40 different places,” she told me. Currently living in Faro, Diana still visits Lagos to see friends and family – her father has a restaurant in the city. I asked Diana why she’s been so nomadic. “I think it’s just my nature. I never really feel tied to any one place. I feel connected to something so much bigger and not solely one location.”
Diana first took to the stage when she was six years old, quickly finding it a natural place to be. Perhaps that’s not altogether surprising given that her grandfather was a fado singer of some note and she’s from a family of musicians. “I’ve always found it easy to be on stage and perform. It’s a place where I feel at ease. It can be almost trance-like in its beauty; where time passes so quickly and easily.”
Diana started performing professionally when she was 15 years old and was soon fronting local bands. In a colourful career, she’s competed in RTP’s Festival da Canção and also Pop Idol. I first had the pleasure of seeing Diana perform last year, in Olhão, where she was part of an ensemble cast of six singers in a show called ‘Licence to Sing’ where each singer interpreted Bond theme tunes. It gives some indication of the faith the organisers had in Diana’s ability that she was given arguably the two biggest Bond songs of all, ‘Diamonds are Forever’ and ‘Goldfinger’. To say she owned those songs and made them her own would be an understatement.
Diana is also an accomplished songwriter, something which allows her to express her ideas and give her many followers an insight into her thoughts. Last year, she released the single ‘Money ain’t no truth” (see YouTube link below) which brilliantly showcases her vocals, songwriting talents and stage presence. Being a singer and songwriter is not the easiest of professions at the best of times, especially when based in the Algarve as so much of the music industry is focused on Lisbon. Nevertheless, it’s a lifestyle that Diana loves. “I feel fortunate to earn a living doing something creative and which I enjoy. I swim in these waters with a great deal of curiosity.”
In addition to performing and recording, Diana provides (two days per week) one to one voice lessons at the School of Rock in Portimão. On other days, she can be busy with private bookings of her stage presence masterclasses and vocal coaching sessions. Helping other artists develop their skills is something Diana enjoys. “It’s an enriching process both for me and the other performers,” she said. ”It’s work that digs deep into our true self expression. Connecting with our masked emotions and opening up to that vulnerability is where the magic happens.” Another aspect Diana enjoys is performing at private functions – birthdays and celebrations – and the opportunity that affords for creating unique experiences for all involved.
Any down time Diana has is spent at the beach but, such is her love for music, she tells me that even when she’s there, she has a pen and notepad in hand and is “always thinking about music”. In late July, Diana will be touring the UK with numerous dates scheduled in the south of England; see her website (below) for more details. In the meantime, she’s busy working on a project that’s close to her heart and involves her interpreting and setting to music the work of several Algarvian poets. It’s with a view to showcasing this work at venues in the Algarve.
It was a pleasure meeting Diana – she’s an amazing talent. Everyone at Tomorrow wishes her the very best for the future and we are looking forward to her next body of work. In the meantime, if you have a chance to see Diana performing, then please do so. You won’t be disappointed.
Main photo © Mariana Rosa
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