Fado means fate. This is music for the great emotions: love, loss, longing and melancholy. Now this richly traditional Portuguese form of expression is given new life in the north, as Britt Eva Løkkemo invites audiences to Fado in Northern Norwegian.

Passion from Lisbon to Tromsø

Fado emerged in the early 19th century and is today included on UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage. The music is traditionally carried by voice, Portuguese guitar and classical guitar – and by an intense form of storytelling that goes straight to the heart.

In Tromsø, Britt Eva Løkkemo has long been known for her powerful interpretations of Edith Piaf, including in Ragnar Olsen’s Northern Norwegian adaptations. Now she brings that same expressive presence into the world of fado. Several of the lyrics have been translated and adapted by Olsen – and are performed both in Portuguese and in Northern Norwegian.

Strong voices, a personal touch

Løkkemo is joined by Marit Sandvik, known for her award-winning jazz voice and her love of Brazilian music. Together with musicians Stein Medby and Stig Roar Mathisen on guitar, and Knut Erik Sundquist on double bass, they put their own stamp on both traditional and more modern fado.

The project had its world premiere in Tromsø in autumn 2025 – to a sold-out house and great enthusiasm. Now audiences are invited into a musical landscape where south meets north, and where songs of fate find a Northern Norwegian resonance.

This is fado as you may never have heard it before.

The production is a collaboration between FINN, Tromsø World Festival, Spelt and Scene Nord.

This concert is for you if you:

• like powerful vocal performances and intimate concert experiences
• are curious about world music in a new form
• want to experience Portuguese fado with a distinctive Northern Norwegian character