The North Festival 2024 debuted at Parque de Serralves in Porto on May 24, featuring a diverse lineup that included Nininho Vaz Maia, Iñigo Quintero, Maria Becerra, Myke Towers, and Alejandro Sanz. The event showcased a blend of genres from flamenco and pop to rap and urban music, each artist bringing their unique style and energy to the stage.

On May 24, Parque de Serralves in Porto premiered as the new venue for the North Festival 2024, offering a stunning backdrop and a welcoming atmosphere perfect for wrapping up the workweek. With an air of anticipation, many wondered what the experience would be like at this new location for the main stage. It didn't take long for the first concert of the evening to dispel any doubts, kicking off a series of diverse and unique performances.

Nininho Vaz Maia

Nininho Vaz Maia took to the stage, inaugurating the festival with a unique blend of pop, flamenco, and Gypsy influences. Born and raised in Portugal, Vaz Maia is known for revitalizing fado, a traditionally melancholic musical genre, with a modern and accessible approach. His biggest hit, "Gosto de Ti," featuring Cristiano Maia, quickly won over the Portuguese public and crossed borders, touching hearts in various Lusophone countries. It has garnered 26 million views on YouTube. On stage, Nininho exudes a charismatic presence, blending emotion and passion into every note. His confident demeanor and ability to connect with the audience ensure a heartfelt and authentic start to the festival.

Iñigo Quintero

Next up was 22-year-old Spanish artist Iñigo Quintero. Hailing from Spain, Quintero emerged on the music scene with a smooth voice and introspective lyrics, captivating a legion of fans worldwide. In 2023, he reached number one on the Spotify Global charts! His songs often explore themes of love and self-discovery, with melodies that resonate deeply. The single "Si No Estás" is undoubtedly his biggest hit. The lyrics discuss the experience of losing faith and express the protagonist's struggle with this realization. On stage, Iñigo Quintero began his performance somewhat nervously and used his speeches to the audience to admit it. "A few months ago, only my family knew me!" Surprised by the number of people, he acknowledged the challenge but leaned on his audience, who comforted and helped him overcome this step. Undoubtedly, it was an emotional performance for a poignant start to this festival. Good luck, Iñigo!

Maria Becerra

Not changing the language but geographically much further away, we moved to Argentina! Maria Becerra took the stage, bringing an explosion of energy and urban rhythms to the North Festival. Becerra boasts 24.2 million monthly listeners on Spotify and quickly established herself as one of the leading voices of urban pop in Latin America. Combining reggaeton, trap, and pop, her songs are synonymous with partying and celebration, having already collaborated with J Balvin, Camila Cabello, and Iglesias, among others. "IMAN” was just released and precedes her upcoming album. She mentioned that she had never performed this song live before. The new track resulted in a sound that blends European pop culture with the unique magnetism of the singer from Quilmes. On stage, Maria Becerra is a force of nature, with dynamic choreography and vibrant interaction with the audience. Her performance is marked by contagious energy, keeping the crowd ecstatic from start to finish.

Myke Towers

As night fell, rap was heard on the main stage with Puerto Rican rapper and singer Myke Towers. He recently performed at the Queima das Fitas in Coimbra, where he made his debut in Portugal. Known for his collaborations with big names in Latin music, such as Bad Bunny and Farruko, Towers has established himself as one of the pillars of trap and reggaeton. His lyrical skill and addictive beats make his songs a constant presence on playlists worldwide. Myke Towers’ songs are rooted in styles like reggaeton and hip-hop, making him one of the greatest representatives of urban music from Puerto Rico. The single “LALA” has been listened to over 650 million times on Spotify. He just released ‘ADIVINO’ with Bad Bunny, which is already a big hit. On stage, Myke Towers displays a confident and engaging demeanor, dominating the scene with his imposing presence and natural charisma. His performance is a parade of hits, keeping the audience jumping and singing along.

Alejandro Sanz

Closing the first night of the festival, Alejandro Sanz brought his iconic voice and a career full of hits to the stage in Serralves. One of the most internationally recognized Spanish artists, Sanz is known for his blend of pop, rock, and flamenco, creating a unique and captivating sound. With over 25 million albums sold and multi-platinum records, he has accumulated numerous awards and accolades, including four Grammy Awards and 22 Latin Grammy Awards. With timeless hits like "Corazón Partío" and "Amiga Mía," Sanz has garnered a loyal and international fan base. His stage presence is marked by a mix of emotion and impeccable vocal technique, providing a grand finale to the night. Alejandro Sanz sings with a passion that transcends language barriers, deeply connecting with the audience.

The first day of the North Festival 2024 at Parque de Serralves was a celebration of musical diversity and international talent. From flamenco to pop, from rap to an emotional closing with Alejandro Sanz, each artist brought their own essence and energy, creating an unforgettable night for all attendees. This edition of the festival promises to be a landmark on Porto's cultural agenda, offering unforgettable moments and a musical variety that appeals to all tastes.

Tomorrow, big names are set to perform, with highlights including Tom Odell and Keane!