In a new series Anna Alcott tells the untold stories of local talent
In a region better known for its beaches than its backbeat, one local musician is quietly making waves. Carlos Braga, born in Faro and residing in Paderne, is a man who plays not for fame, but for the pure joy of lifting others out of their everyday worries.
Carlos was born in Faro but has spent his entire life in Paderne, where he lives with his wife and family. He worked in a bar for five years before finally deciding to follow his true passion: music. His biological father, known for his Freddie Mercury tribute performances, left the family when Carlos was five years old. Despite this early loss, his mother and stepfather nurtured his interest in music.
In his 15 years of performing, Carlos tells me that the early days were especially challenging, with fierce competition making it difficult for him to establish himself. His influence spans a range from pop to rock. He mainly performs cover songs but has written around ten original tracks, inspired by moments of happiness or sadness.
In today’s competitive music scene, artists need real talent to draw a crowd, especially when live entertainment comes at a high cost for venues. Beyond paying performers, venue owners must obtain music licenses and submit forms to Portugal’s copyright agency, the SBA, which imposes additional fees.
Despite these challenges, Carlos is making a name for himself both at home and abroad. He has performed in Germany, Ireland, and Cyprus, gradually building international recognition. Carlos stands out not just for his soulful performances, but also for his flair – he’s even mastered the art of playing the guitar behind his back, a playful homage to the late Jimi Hendrix.
When I asked what he enjoys most about performing, he replied, “I like the reaction of the crowd. It’s just pure enjoyment where people can forget their problems.”
Though not actively chasing stardom, he says he wouldn’t turn down a record deal if the right opportunity came along. “I see myself as a simple guy,” he says. “I’m not in this for the fame.” Still, he’s candid about the reality of the industry in Portugal, like most businesses: “It’s not what you know or how talented you are – it’s who you know.”
If he weren’t a musician, Carlos believes he’d likely have found his place in the hotel industry. Few know that he was once both a Boy Scout and an altar boy, experiences that shaped his early years. While religion no longer plays a central role in his life, he reflects thoughtfully on his beliefs. “My view of God is more something that connects us all,” he says, “rather than a separate entity.”
In Albufeira’s local music scene, Carlos has observed a less-than-ideal dynamic. Rather than a unified community of musicians, he notes that fan groups can be territorial. “If a group doesn’t like the person, they won’t like the performance,” he says, suggesting that rivalry sometimes replaces solidarity among artists.
When asked what his musical journey has taught him about himself, he reflects: “I’ve become a much more confident person and learnt how to separate my stage presence from my everyday life.”
Carlos has had his fair share of mishaps and adventures over the years, but one experience stands out vividly in his memory. He was invited to perform at a wedding in Cyprus, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when travel was already complicated. After missing his connecting flight, he landed just five minutes before the bride was due to walk down the aisle. “There was a moment of panic,” he recalls. Fortunately, the delay was brief, and the wedding went ahead without a hitch.
However, on his return trip, the airline lost his luggage, along with the keys to his car. With no way to secure his guitar, he stayed up all night to protect it. When the bag finally arrived, he made the drive home, exhausted. Somewhere along the way, fatigue took over. He fell asleep at the wheel and crashed.
“No one was hurt, thankfully,” he says with a slight shake of his head. “But my car was totalled. It was a hard lesson and one I definitely won’t repeat.”
You can see Carlos perform in Albufeira on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at the Meet Bar and Barber’s Bar. Thursday and Saturday at King’s Cross (New Town).
