Born in Mozambique but raised in Portugal, singer Mariza became one of the most popular fado performers ever after releasing her debut album, called Fado Em Mim. The Dutch-based World Connection label signed her up, captivated by her highly stylized performances of fado (destiny in English) a Portuguese style based on different folk rhythms. Mariza's knowledge of jazz and blues helped her make one of the most interesting European folk records in the new millennium. The album, produced by Jorge Fernando, achieved the German Critics award. Her follow-up, Fado Curvo (2003), garnered even wider acclaim and, true to its title, found Mariza incorporating new elements into her take on fado