Voices

BBC Radio Jersey's Portuguese news, with Rui Pires.

This interview features João Renato Rodrigues, keyboard player and leader of Montereal Band, a popular dance band from Machico, Madeira. He talks about the band’s beginnings, its musicians, changes in the line-up over the years, and the way they adapt well-known Portuguese songs for live performances. The conversation also explores the band’s connection with Madeiran audiences, their television appearances, and the challenges of keeping a regional music project active over time.

BBC Radio Jersey's Lettre Jèrriaise, with David Marrett.

BBC Radio Jersey's Lettre Jèrriaise, with Sarah Jordan.

BBC Radio Jersey's Portuguese news, with Rui Pires.

BBC Radio Jersey's Polish news, with Paulina Lawida.

BBC Radio Jersey's Lettre Jèrriaise, with Ken Vibert.

In this interview, Madeiran singer Jorge Calaça talks about his journey from Caniçal to Jersey, where he lived for 16 years and discovered his passion for singing. He recalls performing at many Portuguese community events alongside well-known artists and shares some of the songs that have become part of his repertoire. Now back in Madeira, Jorge also reflects on his strong connection to Jersey, his family and his beloved hometown of Caniçal, Madeira.

BBC Radio Jersey's Lettre Jèrriaise, with Clive Jones.

BBC Radio Jersey's Portuguese news, with Rui Pires.

BBC Radio Jersey's Polish news, with Paulina Lawida.

BBC Radio Jersey's Lettre Jèrriaise, with Peter Germain.

Paulo Costa is a Madeiran singer from Jardim da Serra, Câmara de Lobos, known for his lively songs inspired by Madeira’s traditions, festivities and emigrant communities. In this interview, he looks back on his musical career, his performances in Madeira and abroad, and his appearances on Portuguese television.

BBC Radio Jersey's Lettre Jèrriaise, with David Benn.

BBC Radio Jersey's Portuguese news, with Rui Pires.

BBC Radio Jersey's Polish news, with Paulina Lawida.

BBC Radio Jersey's Lettre Jèrriaise, with Jean Le Maistre.

This interview features Portuguese popular singer Nelo Ferreira, who reflects on more than 40 years of music and performances for Portuguese communities around the world. He speaks about his beginnings in parish and folklore groups, his years as an emigrant in France, and the importance of radio and live shows in his career. The conversation also covers his latest single “Anda Tudo Em Cima Dela”, his joyful musical style, family influences and memorable moments on stage.

BBC Radio Jersey's Lettre Jèrriaise, with Geraint Jennings.

BBC Radio Jersey's Portuguese news, with Rui Pires.

BBC Radio Jersey's Lettre Jèrriaise, with Francois Le Maistre.

BBC Radio Jersey's Polish news, with Paulina Lawida.

BBC Radio Jersey's Lettre Jèrriaise, with Richard Simcott.

This interview features Brazilian sertanejo singer, songwriter and producer Rian Oliveira, a former member of the duo Alan & Aladim. He recalls growing up in rural Paraná, discovering music through his family and learning to play the guitar as a young man. Rian also speaks about the support he received from legendary singer João Mineiro during a difficult period in his life. The conversation explores his time performing as Aladim, the success of the duo and the unexpected end of the project. He also discusses his faith, his resilience and the new musical projects that continue to shape his career.

BBC Radio Jersey's Lettre Jèrriaise, with Anthony Scott Warren.

BBC Radio Jersey's Portuguese news, with Rui Pires.

BBC Radio Jersey's Polish news, with Paulina Lawida.

BBC Radio Jersey's Lettre Jèrriaise, with Francois Le Maistre.

This week’s interview is with Quim dos Apitos, , a young Portuguese popular music entertainer. Known for his humorous songs and his background as a football referee, he shares his journey from rural childhood to national television appearances. He also speaks about his ambitions, including performing for Portuguese communities abroad.

BBC Radio Jersey's Lettre Jèrriaise, with Catherine Le Ruez.

BBC Radio Jersey's Lettre Jèrriaise, with Sarah Jordan.

BBC Radio Jersey's Portuguese news, with Rui Pires.

BBC Radio Jersey's Lettre Jèrriaise, with Aline Cattermole.

BBC Radio Jersey's Polish news, with Paulina Lawida.

BBC Radio Jersey's Lettre Jèrriaise, with Laurence Curtis.

BBC Radio Jersey's Portuguese news, with Rui Pires.

BBC Radio Jersey's Polish news, with Paulina Lawida.

BBC Radio Jersey's Lettre Jèrriaise, with Ken Vibert.

Flor, whose real name is Florbela Santos, is a Portuguese singer from Cantanhede who lives in Praia de Mira. Well known to Portuguese audiences through television appearances on programmes such as Somos Portugal, Domingão and O Preço Certo, she has also performed for Portuguese communities across Europe, Canada, the UK and Jersey. In this interview, Flor shares her musical journey, from singing as a child with her brother to building a successful solo career, marked by popular songs such as “Apanhadinhos”, “Danadinho”, “Ardente” and “Arranja Outra”. She also speaks movingly about her family, her roots in Praia de Mira, and the deep connection she feels with audiences whenever she steps on stage.

BBC Radio Jersey's Lettre Jèrriaise, with David Marrett.

BBC Radio Jersey's Portuguese news, with Rui Pires.

BBC Radio Jersey's Polish news, with Paulina Lawida.

BBC Radio Jersey's Lettre Jèrriaise, with Sarah Jordan.

José Cid marked an extraordinary milestone: 70 years in music. At 84, he had just performed a 2.5-hour concert with two encores for 3,000 people on 1st May, proving his enduring energy on stage. He expressed strong pride in the Portuguese language and in the recognition he continues to receive, including the recent “Mother Language Prize.” Still artistically active and forward-looking, he is preparing a new album, Young at 80, while insisting that authenticity and emotion must remain at the heart of musical creation. Cid also highlighted his international legacy, notably 10,000 Anos Depois Entre Vénus e Marte, recognized by Sputnikmusic and featured in the Top 100 Best Progressive Rock Albums by Billboard.

BBC Radio Jersey's Lettre Jèrriaise, with Jemima Horn.

BBC Radio Jersey's Portuguese news, with Rui Pires.

BBC Radio Jersey's Polish news, with Paulina Lawida.

BBC Radio Jersey's Lettre Jèrriaise, with Jean Treleven.

In this edition of the Portuguese Voices podcast, we speak to Bryan Wilson Conceição, a Madeiran singer and songwriter who has built an international career in dance music. From early performances in Madeira to a life-changing move to Romania, where his hit “Happy People” launched him onto MTV and global stages, Bryan shares his journey, his biggest successes like “Até a Noite Parar”, and his passion for bringing energy and joy to audiences around the world.

BBC Radio Jersey's Lettre Jèrriaise, with Geraint Jennings.