As the sun sets on another magnificent musical journey, the curtains draw to a close on the highly acclaimed FMM Sines festival. For several days, music enthusiasts from around the world came to this small town on the Portuguese coast to witness a fascinating array of musical performances.

This year’s festival was a true testament to the power of music in transcending borders and bringing cultures together. Featuring artists from diverse corners of the globe, the event was an exploration of sonic delights, with genres ranging from traditional folk to experimental fusion.

Some of our favorite performances this year included:

EXPRESSO TRANSATLÂNTICO, the Lisbon band that brings together Gaspar Varela on Portuguese guitar, Sebastião Varela on electric guitar and Rafael Matos on drums launched on his self-titled debut EP at the end of Last year it received the highest praise from the national and international public. In charge to open the festival, their soul-stirring melodies and captivating energy transported listeners on a musical voyage across oceans.

Hailing all the way from South Korea, LEENALCHI is an alternative pop band that sing verses from the traditional tale, Sugungga. The band stunned the crowd with its innovative blend of traditional Korean music and contemporary sounds, proving that music is a language understood by all.

The soulful tunes of Brazil’s CHICO CÉSAR added a touch of poetic brilliance to the festival. The musician born in a small town in Paraíba began studying journalism, a fact that helps explain his special ability with words that he invariably molds into spiritual songs that stick to our memory.

The Mexican artist, whom Chavela Vargas named her artistic successor, LILA DOWNS, graced the stage with her powerful voice and heartfelt performances. True to her commitment to human rights, many of her song lyrics are linked to justice, immigration and the defense of women, especially in her country.

The magnetic fusion of Moroccan and French influences in BAB L’BLUZ‘s music had everyone dancing with joy. The Moroccan Psychedelic Rock band inspired by Gnawa and Hassani traditions, merges Rock, current music & Moroccan popular music.

The performance of Spain’s RODRIGO CUEVAS enthralled the audience and created an unforgettable musical experience. With his unique blend of traditional Spanish music and contemporary elements, beautifully written lyrics, and Spanish charisma, Rodrigo was definitely one of the highlights of the festival. His presentation is clear: “Folkloric and electronic agitation, country star, humor, elegant eroticism, hedonism and celebration of two business rights”. Cuevas is part of a new generation of Spanish artists that seeks in tradition the arguments to present the future.

TABANKA DJAZ from Guinea-Bissau ignited the festival with their infectious rhythms, spreading joy across the audience. In November 2022, the band celebrated 30 years of career in a sold-out Coliseu de Lisbon, a concert that is still engraved in the memory of all those present.

Other performers were: SILVANA ESTRADA (Mexico), ENEIDA MARTA (Guinea Bissau), LA CHICA (France / Venezuela), LASS (Senegal), MARI KALKUN (Estonia), BRAMA (Occitania – France), RAIA (Portugal), A GAROTA NÃO (Portugal), CARMINHO (Portugal), ROKIA KONÉ (Mali), CIMAFUNK (Cuba), BRUSHY ONE STRING (Jamaica), KIN’GONGOLO KINIATA (DR Congo), RITA BRAGA (Portugal), RITA VIAN (Portugal), GILSONS (Brazil), BAB L’BLUZ (Morocco / France), TINARIWEN (Tuareg people – Mali), ALRIGHT MELA MEETS SANTOO (Pakistan / France), ÁFRICA NEGRA (São Tomé and Príncipe) , ALOGTE OHO & HIS SOUNDS OF JOY (Ghana) , MADALITSO BAND (Malawi), TÓ TRIPS TRIO (Portugal) , MARIA JOÃO & CARLOS BICA QUARTETO (Portugal), INNA OF YARD (Jamaica), THE SELECTER (UK), AL QASAR feat. ALSARAH, BEDOUIN BURGER (Lebanon / Syria), B FACHADA (Portugal), CÉU (Brazil), NNEKA (Nigeria), GHORWANE (Mozambique), OS TUBARÕES (Cape Verde), SUPER MAMA DJOMBO (Guinea-Bissau), BAMBA WASSOULOU GROOVE (Mali).

FMM Sines 2023 was more than just a music festival; it was a celebration of diversity, unity, and the universal language of music. Until next year, FMM Sines!