We meet Cuca Roseta, one of the world’s most talented, interesting and innovative fadistas.
“Your fate is to be happy. Only you decide when you cry or laugh.”
‘O Teu Fado é ser Feliz’ by Cuca Roseta
We meet 48 hours before Cuca will be performing in Hyde Park, London, where she’ll be sharing a stage with the world-renowned opera singer Andrea Bocelli. Immediately after, she’ll fly back to Portugal to resume her work as a mentor on RTP’s primetime show, The Kids Voice.
I love Cuca’s music and her interpretation of fado. She often brings a lightness and humour to her music that’s not typically to the fore in other interpretations of fado. Cuca’s latest video for ‘Chamem o FBI do Coração’ (Call the FBI of the Heart) highlights this, as do songs (and videos) such as ‘Amor Por Favor’ (Love Please). She does all this while remaining true to the traditions of the genre. She told me, “The most important word that defines fado is ‘truth’. I perhaps place less importance on the pain and suffering and focus on the light. I consider happiness and sadness to be two wings of the same bird,” said Cuca, “and only you choose what to do with those feelings.”
Born Maria Isabel Rebelo Roseta in Lisbon, Portugal, Cuca demonstrated her educational prowess by gaining a degree in psychology. She’d started singing at a young age, honing her skills in local clubs and festivals. Before too long she’d caught the attention of music industry insiders, who recognised her undeniable talent and unique vocal style.
At first, her talents led her into the pop music genre and while she enjoyed that part of her career and the opportunities it presented, it was the traditions of fado that captured her heart. “Fado was my destiny,” she told me.
In 2011, Cuca released her self-titled debut album, which quickly garnered critical acclaim and a burgeoning reputation. Her haunting voice and emotive performances drew comparisons to the legends of fado, earning her a dedicated fan base and bringing the genre to a new generation of listeners. Since then, she has released six more albums, including the critically acclaimed Raiz (Root) and Luz (Light). Her music typically explores themes of love, loss and longing and the deep emotions that lie at the heart of fado.
Cuca Roseta’s continued success has led her to perform in more than 50 countries, including most of Europe, Brazil, India, China, the United States, Saudi Arabia and Ecuador, plus many more. To celebrate the fifteenth year of her professional career, Cuca is now busy touring her ‘15 Years of Fado’ show, which includes dates in the Algarve and culminates in a headline-grabbing concert in December at the 20,000-capacity Meo Arena in Lisbon. It promises to be a fantastic event.
In addition to her music career, Cuca Roseta is known for her stylish and glamorous image. With her striking looks and impeccable fashion sense, she has become a style icon gracing the covers of magazines. Despite her fame and success, she’s remained down-to-earth and is respected for her charitable work, supporting numerous causes that are close to her heart. Last year, she supported World Youth Day when she had the privilege of performing before Pope Francis. She’s also an ambassador for The Mirpuri Foundation, which is committed to making the world a better place for future generations by making a positive difference regarding the most pressing issues threatening our planet.
In her personal life, Cuca knows the UK and the Algarve very well indeed. Her husband, João Lapa, is from Tavira and is a professional football coach who recently spent four years working at Wolverhampton Wanderers FC. They’ve been married for seven years and have family near Almancil. Such is their shared love of the Algarve, they are intent on buying a property here.
It was an honour and a privilege to speak to this incredible talent who is keeping the tradition of fado alive by giving it a modern and commercial twist.
Cuca has a new album out in October.
