Out now, ‘Maria’ is the charming and soulful single from Manuela Dhovar. With her music taking her from her homeland of Portugal to the recording studios of Paris, the track is infused with Brazilian pop influences as it celebrates the naivety and curiosity of youth.
Maria’ is available to stream and download here.
Manuela Dhovar’s vocals are rich and enticing as she sings supported by acoustic guitar and drums, along with experimental synthetic sounds that add a fun touch with their pops, squeaks, and whistles.
The buoyant vocals and boppy melodies bring a touch of summer that’s perfect for lifting the spirits in these grim grey days of Autumn. Originally written by Dhovar on her acoustic guitar between 2022 and 2023, it transfixes the listener as it tells the story of what it’s like to be a young woman – naive, and fragile, yet curious about the wider world – while at the same time offering a reminder to be cautious while exploring what life has to offer. Initially the track was arranged in Belgium, before being given its final polish in a studio in Paris, and is accompanied by a simple music video, which Manuela considers perfectly reflects her vision of the song. Watch the video below.
Growing up in Portugal, Manuela Dhovar first discovered her love for music while at school, as she tinkered on the piano, and flute. Following school she explored the world of visual arts, and fashion design, before finding her true voice in Belgium, where she used singing as an outlet for overcoming shyness. Her stage name Manuela Dhovar is extracted from her real name and her hometown of Ovar.
You can find out more about Manuela Dhovar and her music online by checking out her Instagram, Facebook, Spotify, and Apple Music.
