Cape Verde Inspiration Unites Fado Singers Sérgio Onze and Gisela João in Duet

Fado singers Sérgio Onze and Gisela João have joined forces for an unprecedented duet, releasing the song 'Que mar é este' (What sea is this).

Sérgio Onze, who released his album 'Nós' in 2024, explained that the song's inspiration struck him in Cape Verde. Hearing a mornas tune evoked the same deep emotion he feels when listening to Fado – a profound sense of returning to one's roots, even when far from home. He realized that 'saudade,' the Portuguese word for a deep emotional longing, is a universal feeling recognized across cultures.

Inspired by this realization, Onze asked Irina Chitas to write lyrics based on his simple prompt: 'The sea is the brother of saudade.' Chitas's poem became the foundation for 'Que mar é este.' While the song mentions the sea, Onze emphasizes that it primarily explores the internal landscape of memory, personal weight, transformation, and the pursuit of freedom.

André Santos and Rita Dias contributed to the music, while André Santos also played electric guitars and keyboards, and Bernardo Saldanha played the viola. The accompanying music video was directed by Sérgio Onze and Miguel Rodrigues. Onze also hinted that his next album will lean more heavily into poetry, seeking new words, poets, and ways to express his musical identity, incorporating diverse influences.