Ahead of her participation in Festival da Canção 2026, Rory was able to chat with Silvana Peres. She is hoping to win the competition with her song “Não tem fim”.
Tell us about yourself! How did you guys form as a group and what are some highlights of your career so far?
I started singing “just for fun” at 14, for family and friends. Before I knew it, I was already receiving invitations to perform professionally in fado houses in some of Lisbon’s most emblematic neighborhoods. Currently, I’m part of the team of musicians and fadistas at “Clube de Fado” in Alfama. And with all of this, 20 years of Fado have gone by — fifteen years singing professionally, two independently released albums, and a third on the way.
There have been many trips around the world sharing my songs, many unexpected encounters, shared experiences and learning moments, a lot of hard work and effort, sadness during the more difficult times, and immense joy with all my achievements. I confess that I owe this musical style — Fado — much of who I am today. My paternal grandmother was a fadista, she wrote beautiful poems and loved singing them. However, “in her time,” female fadistas were considered “frivolous and not respectable women,” and because of that, my grandfather forbade her from singing. Some people believe in coincidences, and I (being a fadista) believe in destiny — that I come in “my time” to fulfill what was forbidden not only to my grandmother, but also to all the women who were prevented from singing. In addition, Fado has brought me great friendships, talented people, and truly wonderful human beings.
What was it like working with Rita Dias, who wrote “Não tem fim,” and how did the songwriting process unfold?
The funny thing is that I was the one who approached Rita Dias to ask her for a song for my new album, “A Todas As Mulheres” (“To All Women”), which will be released after Festival da Canção. I explained to her that the album is made up of lyrics written by Portuguese female authors. This album is an invitation to reflection and change, standing against all forms of violence while celebrating and promoting equality and non-discrimination. Rita accepted the invitation/challenge and sent me not one, but two songs, and I was deeply impressed by the strength of the message in “Não Tem Fim.” I suggested that we submit it to Festival da Canção through the open submission process. We did, we were fortunately selected — and here we are!
As a fadista, you’ve sung countless songs about love, loss, and everyday life — but in “Não tem fim,” the lyrics are much more hopeful and positive. Can you describe the meaning of the song in your own words?
I have always been an irreverent fadista, not very shaped by “traditions” — don’t get me wrong, but for me, what I sing must have a purpose; I need to identify with the words I perform. Fado is the voice of the people, and the people know how to be grateful and how to endure. “Não Tem Fim” brings all of that together: the role of our foremothers in conquering women’s rights, what still remains to be done, and at the same time, it opens a path of hope to be walked together by women and men, in freedom and with respect for Human Rights.
You have also blended Fado with several other musical styles, including samba, folk, and world music. Is it easy for you to mix these genres and develop your own style as an artist?
My first two albums, “Fado no Pé” and “Água Nova,” produced by Edu Miranda, are both fusion music. Blending different musical styles feels very natural to me. I am the result of a very fortunate mix: my mother is from Alentejo, my father from Lisbon, I have Brazilian and African great-uncles and aunts, and my paternal grandmother was a fadista. I lived all these cultures through my family and always listened to very diverse music during my teenage years.
Speaking about the festival, you are one of the 13 acts in this year’s competition who have already said they would not go to Eurovision if they win. As a group of artists, what was it like coming together around that position and how have people reacted?
The decision was made by the songwriter, and I agreed with and supported it. The atmosphere among songwriters and performers is very pleasant and full of good energy. Festival da Canção in Portugal is a celebration of Portuguese music; it is a moment to showcase and promote the work of new artists. I am very happy and grateful to be part of this music celebration!
Can you give us any hints about what we can expect from the live performance?
I will be alone on stage… keep an eye on the dress, the lighting, and above all — most importantly — the message of the song!
Have you listened to the other competing songs in this year’s Festival da Canção? Do you have any favorites?
Yes, I’ve listened to them all, and my top four are: Bateu Matou – Nos teus Olhos, Mário Marta – Pertencer, Nunca Mates o Mandarim – Fumo, and Sandrino – Disposto a tudo.
Finally, what would you like to say to those who may be discovering your music for the first time through this year’s Festival da Canção?
To those who are hearing my music for the first time through Festival da Canção, first of all, thank you so much!
My music is born from who I am, from my roots, the stories I carry, and the way I see the world — with truth, with emotion, with hope, believing in the future. Even when I sing about pain or longing, there is always a light, because I deeply believe that music is meant to unite us, to comfort us, to remind us that we are not alone. Art has this extraordinary ability to lift us up.
If this is the first time you hear me, I hope you feel honesty, dedication, and heart. And that, in some way, one of my songs makes you pause for a moment, take a deep breath, and feel — whether it’s joy, nostalgia, or strength to move forward.
If you stay with me after this first listen, it will be a privilege to walk with you through music, toward a future that I hope will be brighter!
Who is Silvana Peres?
Silvana Peres is a 38-year-old singer-songwriter born in Lisbon, but has always lived in nearby Cascais. Growing up near Lisbon, fado soon became a part of her musical journey, helping her to find her feet in many of the capital’s many fado houses. However, she has also experimented with other genres, including samba and chorinho, all whilst blending the traditional style of fado into her music. Her song for Festival da Canção 2026, “Não tem fim”, was written by Silvana herself, as well as Rita Dias — who was invited by RTP for the festival.
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 55 times – appearing the final 46 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 NAPA with the song “Deslocado”. The band managed to qualify for the Grand Final and once there, they finished in 21st place. They received a total of 50 points, of which 37 points came from the jury and 13 points came the televote.
What do you think of our interview with Silvana Peres? Do you think she could win Festival da Canção this year? As always, please let us know what you think by getting involved in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow ‘That Eurovision Site’ on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Threads, tumblr, and Bluesky for more information about Eurovision 2026!
News Source: That Eurovision Site
Photo Credit: Silvana Peres