Portuguese Duo Calema to Perform at Rock in Rio Brazil After Anitta Collaboration
Portuguese musical duo Calema, comprised of brothers Fradique Mendes Ferreira (39) and António Mendes Ferreira (34), is set to perform at Rock in Rio in Brazil on September 6th. They recently collaborated with Brazilian artist Anitta during her "Ensaios de Anitta" event in Lisbon, Portugal. Calema, who formed in 2008, performs a contemporary pop sound blending afro-pop, kizomba, and R&B, often featuring danceable beats and romantic lyrics that have drawn large crowds in Portugal. Their music has also been featured in collaborations with Brazilian artists Dilsinho on the song "Leva Tudo," released in May 2025, and Lauana Prado on "Xê Dama," also released in May. The duo has expressed a desire to collaborate further with Brazilian and Lusophone artists to expand the reach of Portuguese-language music globally. Calema previously participated in the French version of "The Voice" without advancing past the blind auditions and currently serves as mentors on "The Voice Portugal." They are scheduled to open the Palco Sunset stage at Rock in Rio Brazil, a day that also features headliners Calvin Harris and Ne-Yo. The brothers have expressed excitement about performing in Brazil for the first time, anticipating a receptive audience with a strong appreciation for music and dance. They highlighted their song "Te amo" as a good introduction to their music and shared their long-standing connection with Brazilian culture, having visited Brazil multiple times since their first trip last year.
The upcoming performance at Rock in Rio Brazil signifies a strategic move by Calema to leverage cross-cultural collaborations, particularly with prominent Brazilian artists like Anitta, Dilsinho, and Lauana Prado. This approach aims to broaden their audience reach within the significant Lusophone music market. The duo's stated objective of promoting Portuguese-language music globally through such partnerships highlights a common strategy in the music industry to tap into diverse fan bases and cultural exchanges. Their past participation in "The Voice" and current role as mentors suggest an ambition for mainstream recognition, with the Rock in Rio appearance serving as a key platform for international exposure. The success of this strategy will depend on their ability to resonate with the Brazilian audience and capitalize on the momentum generated by these high-profile collaborations.
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