Mário Marta dies at age 53 in Lisbon after participating in the Song Festival By Carolina Costa
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Cape Verdean singer Mário Marta died on Thursday, April 16, aged 53, in Lisboa. The information was confirmed by the family and producer Broda Music. Ele had participated this year in Canção’s Festival with the theme Pertencer, by Djodje, which did not advance to the final.
Mário Marta was born on August 30, 1972, in Guiné-Bissau, son of a Guinean father and a Cape Verdean mother. Criado in São Vicente, he developed a strong connection to traditional genres such as mornas and coladeiras. Cresceu surrounded by music and received direct influence from family members and figures like Cesária Évora, with whom he lived as a child at his aunt and uncle’s house in Mindelo.
The family described the artist as someone with great sensitivity and dedication to Cape Verdean music. The death represents an irreparable loss for national culture, according to the message sent to the agency Lusa.
Infância and musical roots in Cabo Verde
Mário Marta spent part of his childhood in Guiné-Bissau and Angola before settling in Portugal. Em São Vicente, the family environment favored early contact with lukewarm. Aunt Eunice Marta and uncle Tonecas Marta marked the early years, as did other names from the traditional scene such as Bana, Zéze di Nha Reinalda, Tito Paris, Ildo Lobo, Titina and Paulino Vieira.
Living with Cesária Évora at his aunt and uncle’s house left a deep mark on Mindelo. Ele sang with the legendary artist as a child. Essa proximity helped shape his emotional interpretation of Cape Verdean rhythms.
The singer always maintained the essence of tradition even when exploring fusions. His soulful voice and intense stage presence defined his style throughout his career.
Parcerias and career in Portugal
Mário Marta was part of the gospel group SHOUT!, founded by Sara Tavares, one of the first projects of its kind in Portugal. Mais later served as Djodje’s backing vocalist, both in the studio and on international tours.
His solo career took shape in 2019 with the singles Kriol and Aguenta, the latter in partnership with Lura. The videos racked up millions of views. In 2021, he released the album Ser by Luz via Broda Music, with new songs and compositions by Cape Verdean authors.
The album received three awards at Cabo Verde Music Awards. The work reinforced its role in disseminating morna and coladeira to new audiences without losing its cultural roots.
Ele participated in events such as Morna Fest and Atlantic Music Expo in Cabo Verde. Subiu still performs on stages with artists such as Rui Veloso, Mariza, Carminho and Nancy Vieira, among others.
- Cresceu influenced by Cesária Évora and family members like Eunice Marta and Tonecas Marta
- Integração in the group SHOUT! and work with Djodje as backing vocals
- Lançamento from singles Kriol and Aguenta in 2019
- Álbum Ser of Luz with prizes in Cabo Verde Music Awards
- Participação in Festival of Canção 2026 with Pertencher, without going to the final
Recent Participação on Canção’s Festival
Este year, Mário Marta performed the song Pertencer in the first Festival semifinal of Canção 2026. The song, composed by Djodje, did not proceed to the final. The performance marked the singer’s return to the event after previous participation in the choirs in 2006 and 2008 editions.
In 2006, he joined the choirs of Alma Nova, which finished in fifth place, and Durmo Com Pedras Na Cama, in fourth. Dois years later, he returned to the chorus in Manhã’s theme Cavaleiro.
Their presence in 2026 highlighted their connection to Portuguese and Cape Verdean music. The theme spoke of belonging and identity, aligned with the artist’s trajectory.
Reconhecimento and legacy in Cape Verdean culture
Ministério of Cultura of Cabo Verde expressed regret over the death. Destacou Mário Marta as a voice that united cultural roots with sensitivity and authenticity. The Sociedade Cabo-Verdiana of Música also lamented the loss, remembering her talent, humility and contribution to bringing mornas and coladeiras to new listeners in the diaspora.
His career combined tradition and contemporary times. Mário Marta interpreted classic genres with its own emotion and explored fusions that respected the essence. Amigos and colleagues remember their generosity and dedication to the stage.
The death occurred on Dia Mundial of Voz, April 16th. The family and producer Broda Music confirmed the death. Até At this time, no additional details about the cause have been released.
The artist leaves a career spanning more than two decades, with performances in Portugal and Cabo Verde. His voice continues to be present in recordings and in the memory of the public who followed the mornas and coladeiras performed with authenticity.
