Portugal is gearing up their preparations for Festival da Canção 2024. As artists look ahead to the national final, which begins on February 24th, Angus speaks to No Maka and Ana Maria. They are vying to represent Portugal in Malmö with the song “Aceitar”.
Check out our interview with No Maka and Ana Maria here!
No Maka and Ana Maria talk with Angus about what it has been like to work together, their different musical influences, the meaning of their entry “Aceitar”, and a lot more.
About No Maka and Ana Maria
No Maka and Ana Maria will be performing together for the first time at what will be their Festival da Canção debut. No Maka are an established name in Portugal, with the duo of Duarte Carvalho and Emanuel Oliveira starting as DJs before also performing themselves. As a duo, No Maka have had considerable success in Portugal, with a version of one of their songs even making it onto a Madonna album.
Ana Maria is a 17 year old currently studying as a jazz instrumentalist at the Coimbra Music Conservatory. The young singer has made a name for herself on TikTok with her ukulele covers, which she started playing during the pandemic. She draws inspiration from many musical influences, especially from jazz and pop singers.
Portugal’s Eurovision journey
Portugal debuted in the Eurovision Song Contest with António Calvário’s “Oração” in 1964. Since then, Portugal has participated in the competition 54 times – appearing the final 45 times. Their only win in the competition came in 2017 with Salvador Sobral, performing his heart-wrenching song “Amar Pelos Dois”.
Portugal’s most recent participation was with Mimicat with the song “Ai, coração”. Mimicat managed to qualify for the Grand Final and once there, she finished in 23rd place. She received a total of 59 points, of which 43 points came from the jury and 16 points came the televote.
What do you think of our interview with No Maka and Ana Maria? Do you think “Aceitar” could represent Portugal in Malmö? As always, let us know what you think by commenting below. Also, be sure to follow “That Eurovision Site” on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tiktok, Threads, Tumblr and Bluesky as we prepare for Eurovision 2024!
News Source: That Eurovision Site
Photo Credit: RTP
That Eurovision Site 
Rory Gannon
[…] No Maka ft. Ana Maria […]