WHY Portugal, the non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting Portugal’s vibrant music scene, continues to make an indelible mark on the international stage. With impactful showcases at prestigious events such as Reeperbahn Festival, FOCUS Wales, and The Great Escape, the organisation has played a pivotal role in elevating Portuguese talent to global audiences.

In 2024 alone, WHY Portugal presented 27 dynamic showcases featuring 21 artists, including its groundbreaking debut outside Europe at Zandari Festa in Korea. Looking ahead to 2025, the team is gearing up for its first-ever mission to India International Music Week and preparing for the first non-European focus country showcases at Folk Alliance in Canada. These initiatives underscore WHY Portugal’s ambitious vision to secure its position as a global leader in the export and celebration of Portuguese music.

As part of its ongoing mission, WHY Portugal returns to ESNS25 with a compelling lineup that highlights the extraordinary diversity of Portugal’s music scene. The roster features Raquel Martins, whose signature Latin-infused soul captivates audiences; Marta Pereira da Costa, who boldly redefines the boundaries of traditional fado; TRAVO, delivering powerful heavy psych rock; and MAQUINA, renowned for their electrifying krautrock soundscapes.

Ana Rita Feijão, Executive Director of WHY Portugal? explains: “ESNS continues to be a vital platform for showcasing the extraordinary diversity and innovation of Portuguese music. Our partnership with this iconic festival not only amplifies the global reach of our artists but also celebrates the rich cultural heritage and forward-thinking artistry that define Portugal’s contemporary music.”

Join us at ESNS25 to discover the next wave of Portuguese music, where tradition meets innovation and raw energy fuses with musical mastery.

More about the artists

Raquel Martins
Spotify YouTube Instagram

Raquel Martins is a London-based singer-songwriter and producer, blending alternative soul, Brazilian rhythms, and experimental electronic textures. Originally from Portugal, she moved to the UK at 17, and her music explores the balance between roots and reinvention. Praised by Gilles Peterson, BBC Introducing, and KCRW, Raquel’s raspy, evocative voice and genre-defying sound resonate deeply. 2025 is set to be an exciting year for Raquel as she releases her debut album, supported by PRS Foundation’s Women Make Music. A profound exploration of “home,” the album blends raw emotion with experimental bold sounds, creating a soundtrack for anyone seeking belonging in the in-between.

Friday, 17th January 2025
Nieuwe Kerk
20:50pm -21:30pm

 Marta Pereira da Costa
 Spotify YouTube Instagram Facebook    

The undisputed queen of the Portuguese guitar, Marta Pereira da Costa has redefined fado by blending it with jazz, world music, and contemporary sounds. Having performed at prestigious venues and events like the Kennedy Centre and SXSW, Marta continues to break barriers, recently earning over a million of views on NPR’s Tiny Desk concert. Her most recent album, Sem Palavras (2024), reimagines classics and takes the Portuguese guitar to new heights, cementing her role as a global ambassador for Portugal’s musical heritage.

Friday, 17th January 2025
Lutherse Kerk
23:40pm – 00:20am

 TRAVO
Spotify Bandcamp YouTube Instagram Facebook

Following this year’s triumphant performance at FOCUS Wales and Trans Musicales, TRAVO is poised to captivate audiences at ESNS25. Emerging from Braga, Portugal’s Capital of Culture 2025, this genre-defying four-piece fuses heavy psych, progressive rock, and garage energy with thrash-metal grit. Their latest album, Astromorph God (2023), has made a lasting impact across Europe, and with their raw, high-energy live shows, TRAVO is set for a bright future on the international music scene.

Thursday, 16th January 2025.
All Around Poolcentrum
01:10am-01:50am

Thursday, 16th January 2025
Plato Record Store
18:40pm – 19:00pm

MAQUINA
Bandcamp Instagram

Lisbon’s MAQUINA. are rewriting the rulebook on psych-rock, krautrock, and industrial techno. With their all-organic, improvisation-driven approach, this killer trio has gained a notorious reputation in Portugal’s underground scene. Their 2024 LP, PRATA, captures the raw energy of their blistering live performances, fusing pounding rhythms, scuzzy basslines, and searing guitar noise. MAQUINA is ready to take on the world in the darkened clubs of Groningen.

Friday, 17th January 2025
Vera
01:30am -02:10am

 

Notes to Editors

For all media enquiries contact:
Anastasia Connor – anastasia@globalpublicity.co.uk
Nikki McNeill – nikki@globalpublicity.co.uk

WHY Portugal is Portugal’s export office for music, founded in 2016 by AMAEI and working on behalf of all Portuguese music sectors. WHY Portugal is a registered non-profit association supported by AUDIOGEST and Fundação GDA through their respective neighbouring rights cultural funds; and for select missions and projects we also work with AICEP Portugal Global – Trade & Investment Agency and DGartes, the Portuguese Arts Council.  WHY Portugal is a member of EMEE – European Music Exporters Exchange, and a member of ETEP – European Talent Exchange Platform.

For more information, visit: www.whyportugal.com