🇵🇹 Nunca Mates o Mandarim: “It was the first time we stepped into a real studio”

Ahead of their participation in Festival da Canção 2026, Nicklas had the chance to have a quick chat with the band Nunca Mates o Mandarim, who are participating this year with their song “Fumo”.

Check out our interview with Nunca Mates o Mandarim here!

In this interview, Nicklas and the band discuss their musical origins and humble beginnings, their invitation to Festival da Canção by 2025 winners NAPA, and the inspiration for their track, ‘Fumo.’ They also explore the festival’s recent evolution, which has opened doors for indie acts to showcase more diverse sounds.

Who are Nunca Mates o Mandarim?

Orginally from Porto, Nunca Mates o Mandarim is the trio of João, João, and Manuel. Since forming in late 2021, they’ve bridged the gap between lowbrow imagery and poetic expression, a sound that is also present in their early 2026 album, Bola de Bilhar. Now, the band makes their Festival da Canção debut, bringing their critical yet hopeful track “Fumo” (Smoke) to the second semi-final.

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 Nunca Mates o Mandarim? Who do you think will represent Portugal at Eurovision 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: Nunca Mates o Mandarim