Fado a music genre that can be traced back to the 1820s in Portugal. Although the origins are difficult to trace, today fado is commonly regarded as simply a form of song which can be about anything, but must follow a certain traditional structure. In popular belief, fado is a form of music characterized by mournful tunes and lyrics, often about the sea or the life of the poor, and infused with a sentiment of resignation, fatefulness and melancholia.
In his biography on Facebook account, António Zambujo wrote he was raised listening to Cante Alentejano, a regional genre that inspired him while growing up in Beja, Portugal. At the age of eight, he studied clarinet at the Baixo Alentejo Regional Conservatory. At that time, Zambujo became fascinated with fado. He was shaped by Amália Rodrigues, Maria Teresa de Noronha, Alfredo Marceneiro, João Ferreira Rosa, Max and others. He regularly sang for his family and friends and won a local fado contest at the age of 16.
He became increasingly well known, not only in Portugal, but mainly beyond borders, especially after the release of his third album, “Outro Sentido” in 2007. Zambujo has won the Amália Rodrigues Foundation prize as best male fado singer.
At the beginning and end of his performance at Vahdat Hall on Wednesday night, Zambujo thanked the audience who cheered him in Persian language who was taught to say: "I am very glad to be in Iran and to perform in front of people who love music so much," and "Thank you for coming here to see my group's performance."
His solo, duet and collective performance encouraged audiences, among them citizens of Portugal residing in Iran. His display was undoubtedly one of the best international performances at the festival.
Antonio Zambujo’s group played guitar, trumpet, saxophone, mandolin, bass and drums. The drums were a bit different tonight, using special Portuguese drama frames and creating a soft and quite atmosphere at the Hall.
Zambujo’s discography includes O mesmo Fado (2002), Por meu Cante (World Village, 2004), Outro Sentido (World Village, 2007), Guia (World Village, 2010), Quinto (World Village, 2012), Lisboa 22:38 – Ao Vivo no Coliseu (Universal Music, 2013), Rua Da Emenda (2014) and Até Pensei Que Fosse Minha (Universal Music, 2016).