Samba Celebration Comes to Europe at COALA Festival
COALA Festival 2024 made history in Portugal’s capital Lisbon over the weekend with an incredible celebration of Brazilian music. For the first time in its 10-year history, the festival left Brazil and took the party to Europe, specifically the Hipódromo Manuel Possolo in Cascais. The event drew in 20,000 people over two days, transforming the historic setting into a bohemian paradise.
The festival featured legendary Brazilian musicians Jorge Ben Jor and Gilberto Gil, pioneers of the tropicália and Música popular brasileira genres. Both artists delivered unforgettable performances that had the crowd singing and dancing along to their classic hits.
Cape Verdean singer Mayra Andrade also captivated the audience with her soulful performance, showcasing her vocal talent and natural charisma. Additionally, BaianaSystem and Angolan artist Pongo brought their unique sounds to the stage, adding a vibrant energy to the festival.
While the lineup predominantly featured Brazilian artists, Portuguese fado star Carminho also took the stage, impressing the audience with her powerful vocal performance and emotional renditions. Despite hailing from different musical backgrounds, all the artists came together to create a magical atmosphere filled with the spirit of Brazilian music.
COALA Festival successfully bridged the gap between Brazil and Europe, offering a taste of the vibrant music scene to a diverse audience. The event showcased the cultural diversity and richness of Brazilian music, leaving attendees in awe of the talent on display. With such a successful inaugural European edition, the festival is sure to return in 2025, promising another unforgettable celebration of Brazilian music in Portugal.
