Avelino Vaz Maia (born 25 February 1988), better known as Nininho Vaz Maia or Nininho, is a Portuguese singer and songwriter.[1]

Nininho Vaz Maia
Birth nameAvelino Vaz Maia
Born (1988-02-25) 25 February 1988 (age 36)
Lisbon, Portugal
GenresFlamenco pop
Occupations
  • Singer
  • songwriter
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • guitar
Websitewww.nininhovazmaia.com

Career

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2013–2020: Career beginnings

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In 2013, Vaz Maia began to rise to prominence as a musician and composer. He began to compose his first musical themes inspired by pop music and flamenco. Firstly, he recorded a video performing a song to send to his sister. After seeing it, she showed it to her cousin who later shared it on the platform YouTube. After its release, the number of views on YouTube began to grow and an increasing number of fans began to follow the videos and songs he was composing and sharing. In the following years, Vaz Maia released eight singles, which continued to grow his success as a musician.[2]

2021: Raízes

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In 2021, Vaz Maia released his debut album, Raízes (Roots). As a whole, the album blended traditional flamenco music with pop elements. Vaz Maia worked with other prominent Portuguese musicians on the album, such as Rodrigo Carmo (Stego). In 2021, after the release of Raízes, Vaz Maia performed live, promoting singles from the album. Vaz Maia performed for the first time in Beja and Almeirim.[3][4]

2022–present: Continued recognition, Aparentemente - Vol 1, The Voice Kids and The Voice coach

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In 2022, during a concert in Lisbon, Vaz Maia was presented with the recognition of Platinum level for Raízes. Additionally, one of the tracks in Raízes, "E Agora", was used by football player Cristiano Ronaldo on his social media. Ronaldo and Vaz Maia have since become friends, with Vaz Maia performing for Ronaldo at his events.[5]

In 2023, Vaz Maia released Aparentemente - Vol 1, which contains seven tracks.[6]

In January 2024, Vaz Maia was confirmed to be a coach on the fifth season of The Voice Kids Portugal alongside Carlão, Bárbara Tinoco, and Cuca Roseta.[7] On 7 July 2024, Victória Nicole, an artist from his team, won the season making Vaz Maia the winning coach in his first season.[8] In June 2024, he was announced to be a coach on the twelfth season on the main version of the show, The Voice Portugal, alongside Fernando Daniel, Sónia Tavares, and Sara Correia.[9]

Artistry

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Vaz Maia is regarded as an important figure for the flamenco pop genre in Portugal, as the genre is based in neighbouring Spain, with singers such as Rosalía representing it.[10]

Discography

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Albums

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List of studio albums, with selected details
Title Details
Raízes
  • Released: 2 July 2021 (POR)
Aparentemente - Vol 1
  • Released: 24 November 2023 (POR)

Singles

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List of singles, showing year released, and the name of the album
Title Year Album
"Tudo Passa" 2016 Non-album single(s)
"Eu Chorava"
"Cola-te a Mim" 2019
"Quiero Bailar"
"Soy Gitano"
"Não Sou Perfeito"
"Saudade" 2020
"El Tiempo"
"Nova Era" 2021 Raízes
"Onde Nasci"
"Hoje Estou Chateado"
"Gosto de Ti"
"Noiva"
"Não Vou"
"Aguenta Coração"
"Bailando"
"Pégate a Mi"
"Dime Porquê"
"E Agora"
"Te Quiero" 2023 Aparentemente - Vol 1
"Metamorfose"
"Suena que suena"
"A mi manera"
"Foste Embora"
"Volta"
"Bebé"

References

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  1. ^ "Nininho Vaz Maia: a história do músico cigano que é cada vez mais um fenómeno nacional". NiT (in European Portuguese). Retrieved 15 January 2024.
  2. ^ "Nininho Vaz Maia - Songs, Events and Music Stats | Viberate.com". www.viberate.com. Retrieved 15 January 2024.
  3. ^ online, jornalistas (7 November 2021). "Nininho Vaz Maia encanta cidade de Almeirim". Jornal O Almeirinense (in European Portuguese). Retrieved 15 January 2024.
  4. ^ "Nininho Vaz Maia apresenta hoje o seu disco em Beja". Rádio Voz da Planície - 104.5FM - Beja (in Portuguese). Retrieved 15 January 2024.
  5. ^ Guyett, Matthew (19 September 2022). ""Such a simple and beautiful night" – Portuguese singer Nininho Vaz Maia shares picture after spending time with Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez". www.sportskeeda.com. Retrieved 15 January 2024.
  6. ^ Aparentemente - vol 1 - Nininho Vaz Maia - Download or Listen Free - JioSaavn, 24 November 2023, retrieved 15 January 2024
  7. ^ Redacção (15 January 2024). "The Voice Kids: Conheça os mentores". infocul.pt (in European Portuguese). Retrieved 15 January 2024.
  8. ^ Ntinos, Fotios (7 July 2024). "Junior Eurovision 2024: Victória Nicole will represent Portugal in Madrid!". Eurovision News | Music | Fun. Retrieved 8 July 2024.
  9. ^ revisiones_shine (20 June 2024). "These are the mentors for the new season of 'The Voice Portugal'". Shine Iberia. Retrieved 6 July 2024.
  10. ^ Nininho Vaz Maia: o fenómeno que junta o pop ao flamenco e esgota todas as salas (in Portuguese), retrieved 16 January 2024