As the second semi-final of Festival da Canção rapidly approaches, it’s time to release another interview, this time with music making duo No Maka and singer Ana Maria. Get to know them more below!
It’s my pleasure to welcome No Maka and Ana Maria for our next interview! How are you all doing today ahead of the Festival da Canção semi-final?
We’re feeling incredibly excited and a bit nervous, but mostly, we’re thrilled to be part of such a prestigious event. The energy and anticipation are palpable, and we’re just soaking it all in.
Ok, first of all, I have to ask about the origin story of No Maka. How did you first meet and what made you decide to create No Maka?
In 2009, I released a track with the talented Portuguese singer, Carolina Deslandes, which caught the attention of Emanuel through MySpace. Intrigued by the track, Emanuel reached out to me, and we decided to meet up in a club in Lisbon, where I, Duarte, was the resident DJ. That meeting marked the beginning of our partnership, and we’ve been working together ever since.
Initially, we created No Maka as a ghost producing alias to handle some remixes and club versions of mainstream tunes for the recording label we were working with. Our work mostly revolved around producing danceable, club-friendly versions of popular tracks. However, as our remixes gained traction, people began contacting the record label, expressing interest in booking No Maka for events. That unexpected interest was a turning point for us, prompting the decision to step out from behind the scenes and present No Maka as not just a production name, but as a duo with a face to the music we were creating. It was an exciting evolution, from the shadows of ghost producing to the spotlight, allowing us to connect more directly with our audience and the music community.
This year, you’ll be participating in the Portuguese national selection (Festival da Canção) and this is your first time participating. What motivated you to submit an entry this year to the competition? Had you considered competing previously?Â
When we first received the invitation to participate in Festival da Canção, we were absolutely euphoric. As composers, being a part of this festival is truly an honor for us. Festival da Canção has showcased so many iconic artists and artists that we deeply admire over the years. The opportunity to join the ranks of these esteemed participants is something we’ve always aspired to. This year, with the right song in hand and a sense of readiness to share our music on such a prestigious platform, we felt it was the perfect moment to accept the invitation. Participating in Festival da Canção represents not just a milestone in our careers but also the fulfillment of a long-held dream to contribute to the rich tapestry of Portuguese music through this celebrated competition.”
Alright, time for some rapid questions to help our readers get to know you better. How would you describe your music and sound for someone who’s never heard your music before?
Our sound is deeply rooted in African music influences; we have a profound love for Afro beats and rhythms, which we seamlessly blend with pop music, incorporating electronic elements to create a distinct vibe. Over the years, our sound has evolved significantly, thanks in part to our collaborations with a variety of artists. We feel that this blend of genres gives our music a particular character. Our aim is to continue exploring and integrating these influences, ensuring our music remains fresh, dynamic, and engaging for our audience.
What is one thing our readers would be surprised to learn about each of you?
No Maka: Here’s a fun fact! Madonna included ‘Faz Gostoso,’ a track we produced and composed, in her ‘Madame X’ album. And that album hit number 1 on Billboard.
Ana Maria: And me? I’m all about jazz vibes. Been studying it in Coimbra’s conservatory. And I really like adding a bit of jazz flair to our tunes.
Let’s focus back on your Festival da Canção song, “Aceitar”. Can you tell us a bit about the songwriting process for the song and how long it took to write the finished entry?
This song was one of the first ones we worked on with Maria. It came about during a session where we started with just two ideas: the introduction had to be striking and emotional, and the theme deep. When we began working on the song, we wanted to ensure the introduction was impactful and conveyed strong emotions, hence all the effort and arrangement of the vocals. We crafted this song in about two sessions, which speaks to the instant connection and flow we had with the concept. It’s a song that’s very dear to us, and after we finished it, we knew it was reserved for something very special. At the time, we didn’t know it would be for Festival da Canção.
What has been the most fulfilling part of being part of the Festival da Canção selection show as of today? Similarly, what’s been the most challenging thing for you all?
The most fulfilling part of being involved in the Festival da Canção selection show has definitely been the incredible energy from the fans. Their love, involvement, and the way they’ve embraced us with open arms, sending countless messages and suggestions, has been overwhelming in the best way. Additionally, sharing the stage with such amazing artists whom we’ve always admired has been a dream come true for us. On the flip side, the most challenging aspect has been the staging itself. We’re well aware of how big a part the staging plays in the beauty and mystique of Festival da Canção, and living up to that standard, ensuring our performance matches the grandeur of the event, has been a task we’ve taken very seriously.
If I only gave you ten words to describe what we’ll see from you on the Festival da Canção stage, what words would you use?
Dynamic, Emotional, Innovative, Captivating, Authentic, Vibrant, Heartfelt, Humble, Touching, Soulful.
As we wrap up, for those who want to connect with you ahead of or after the selection, where can they find you and your music?
You can find us in Malmö—just kidding, but who knows? If all goes well at Festival da Canção, our dream might just become a reality! In the meantime, you can follow our journey on Instagram and TikTok. Don’t forget to check out our tunes on Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Music. We love connecting with our fans and sharing the music that moves us.
Last question – is there any message you’d want to share with the ESCUnited readers?
We’re incredibly grateful for your support and excited to share our music with you. Receiving all your love, we feel like winners already, which is a truly beautiful feeling. Regardless of the outcome, we hope our song resonates with you and brings a bit of joy. The very best part of this incredible journey is, without a doubt, you guys. Thank you for being such an integral part of our journey.
Thanks so much, No Maka feat. Ana Maria! We wish you the best of luck in Festival da Canção!
If #YOU want to support No Maka and Ana Maria’s pathway to Eurovision 2024 make sure you tune in to their semi-final on Saturday March 2nd and vote!
