MICHAEL WALSH MUSIC REPORT Renewed enthusiasm for national identity expressed through music lies behind the current craze for Amalia Rodrigues Portugal’s Queen of Fado. The international fame and appeal of the chanteuse fame once eclipsed French soul-singing waif Edith Piaf and Nana Mouskouri of Greece.

Amalia. The Film, a movie released in 2008 – ten years after the star’s tragic death in 1999 when released acted as a magnet for her universal fans wherever it is shown. The Flamenco is primarily an Andalusia dance form backed by vocals. Portuguese Fado is a singing sensation aptly described as hauntingly melancholic. The name fado means fate.

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Amalia Rodrigues’s singing evokes the intensity of the Portuguese soul as no other. Born in Mouraria, a poor district of Lisbon, her Billie Holiday style of delivery needed only the backing of the guitar or the Portuguese mandolin. Essentially her voice was both the music and the backing.

During her stardom Rodrigues became an icon for tens of millions throughout Europe; especially Portugal, Spain, and the Americas. When she died her homeland declared three days of national mourning and suspended the impending general election. The Fado singer’s fame spanned nearly thirty years and is now being re-lived through the film portraying her life.

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Amalia, The Film is already attracting controversy. It tells the story of the singer’s rise from extreme poverty to international stardom. Some, principally members of her family, say the movie has been ’sexed up’ to boost audience figures. Director Carlos Coelho da Silva disagrees, emphasising that the film, using original recordings, was thoroughly researched and drew on the recollections of all who knew her well.

Undoubtedly Amalia was a bewitching woman of great beauty and passion. Asked about her religious beliefs, she whispered, ‘Even if He doesn’t exist, I believe in Him.’

She will be remembered best not for her lovers but for her singing which plumbed the soul depths of all who listen to her. For today’s generation, wherever the movie is drawing crowds, she is both a revelation and inspiration. For those of us who have adored her since the 1950s Amalia and her soulful ballads are part of our being. PLEASE SHARE STORIES ON SOCIAL MEDIA