The International Portuguese Music Awards (IPMAs) have become an essential event in the celebration of Portuguese music and culture, bringing together a diverse community of musicians, fans, and Portuguese-Americans seeking a taste of home. This year, the event, held on April 12 at the Providence Performing Arts Center in Rhode Island, was a stunning showcase of talent and tradition. I was lucky enough to attend this year’s show, and even I (a non-Portuguese person), was able to feel the enduring connection between Portugal and the Portuguese diaspora here in the states.
Since its inception in 2013, the IPMA has honored music created by artists of Portuguese descent around the globe. The annual event celebrates a wide range of genres and recognizes exceptional talent, from established stars to rising newcomers. A panel of music industry professionals evaluates submissions across multiple award categories, and the show has gained international attention, even airing on Portuguese media outlets like RTP 1 and RTP International. Originally hosted at the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center in New Bedford, Mass — a city with deep Portuguese roots — the event was held virtually in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic. When the IPMA resumed in-person festivities in 2022, it moved to Providence. With Portuguese being the third-most spoken language in the state, RI serves as an ideal home for this cultural celebration. The IPMA 2025 edition was made even more vibrant through the continued sponsorship of Sumol, the iconic Portuguese beverage brand. Known for its rich flavors of orange, pineapple, and passionfruit, Sumol has long been a staple in Portuguese households, evoking feelings of “saudade” – nostalgia, longing, and love for one’s homeland. Cidália Almeida, Marketing Manager at Sumol, who has been with the company for over three decades, spoke passionately about the brand’s long-standing support for Portuguese culture. “Sumol is not just a brand; it’s a feeling, a memory, a taste of home,” she explains. “We believe that music unites people, and we want to be near the Portuguese community at a moment when the culture truly shines.”
For Cidália, saudade is not a feeling of sadness, but of warmth and positive recollection — a beautiful longing for the past that connects you to cherished memories. “It’s like when you were going to your grandma’s house for the holidays,” she said with a smile. “The smell of her house, the laughter with cousins — it’s a feeling that fills you with love and good memories, not sadness.” The theme of saudade was woven into the very fabric of the evening. The evening was a palpable celebration of what it means to be Portuguese, no matter where you are in the world.
The performances at the 2025 IPMA provided an exciting musical journey through various genres, both traditional and contemporary. One of my favorite acts was Augusto Canário & Amigos, who brought an irresistible energy to the stage. The lively atmosphere, punctuated by the infectious sounds of the concertina – a traditional Portuguese instrument resembling an accordion in look and timbre – invited the audience to clap along and participate. With vibrant colors and an upbeat tempo, their set embodied the spirit of saudade in the most joyous way. Another memorable moment of the evening came when Marta Pereira de Costa was honored with the award for Best Instrumental Performance for her piece “Dia de Feira.” As she made her way to the stage to accept the award, the audience was treated to a brief snippet of the song, which immediately captured my attention. Intrigued, I listened to the full track later and was struck by its technical complexity and emotional depth. The song was a mesmerizing dance of guitar and piano, where the melodies transitioned from urgent, perilous undertones to delicate, rubato sections. It was a piece that captured a sense of longing, a musical embodiment of saudade, where every note seemed to carry the weight of both the past and the future.
In addition to the performances, the awards ceremony itself celebrated a variety of achievements, with the highly anticipated “New Talent” category offering a glimpse into the future of Portuguese music. Emerging artists took the stage to perform their original works, giving the audience a taste of the fresh voices and innovative sounds that are shaping the next wave of Portuguese music. One of the most powerful aspects of the IPMA is its ability to unite generations. Whether first-generation immigrants or second- and third-generation Portuguese-Americans, attendees shared a collective pride and sense of belonging. Cidália, who has spent most of her life in Portugal, noted how meaningful it was to connect with the diaspora. “We all meet our cousins, drink, laugh, share good moments, and of course, listen to the music,” she said, describing the familial atmosphere that filled the venue. For younger Portuguese-Americans, the IPMA serves as a cultural touchstone. Cidália stressed the importance of preserving heritage through experiences — whether traveling to Portugal, attending parades like the Boston Portuguese Festival among others, or simply being part of more local events like this one. “It’s how we keep the connection alive,” she said. The night closed with a sense of pride for the Portuguese community, both in Rhode Island and beyond. It’s an event that pays homage to tradition whilst simultaneously looking towards the future, as the next generation of Portuguese musicians continues to rise. As Cidália put it, Sumol’s sponsorship of the IPMA is an investment in the future of Portuguese culture, ensuring that it will continue to thrive for generations to come. The event was a night to remember the importance of heritage, to share moments of joy with loved ones, and to embrace the enduring feeling of saudade that connects us all to our roots, no matter where we’ve transplanted. •
Photo: Cremilda Medina. By Helder Sousza
