Dino D’Santiago Wins Latin Grammy for Luso-Brazilian Album
Portuguese singer-songwriter Dino D’Santiago made history at the 27th Latin Grammy Awards in Las Vegas on Thursday, securing a win for his collaborative project with Brazilian stars Criolo and Amaro Freitas. The trio’s self-titled debut album, Criolo, Amaro & Dino, took home the trophy for Best MPB (Musica Popular Brasileira)/Afro-Portuguese Brazilian Music Album.
A Celebration of the Lusophone World
The award marks a significant milestone for Luso-Brazilian cultural exchange. During his acceptance speech, D’Santiago paid tribute to the shared heritage of the Portuguese-speaking world. “Cape Verde, Angola, Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Portugal—thank you to this Portuguese language for making us a unique people,” he said.
Recife-born pianist Amaro Freitas expressed his shock at the victory, emphasizing the album’s social weight. “This work unites the strength of Black music and the Black diaspora around the world,” Freitas noted. “The peripheries of Recife, São Paulo, and Lisbon met through the power of art.”
Rapper Criolo echoed these sentiments, dedicating the win to Brazil’s indigenous populations. “Music has the power of healing,” he said. “This record was created with soul and heart to celebrate friendship and to remember that art transforms lives.”
From a Single Song to a Transatlantic Masterpiece
The project began with the 2024 single “Esperança,” a collaboration between the three artists and producer Nave that earned D’Santiago his first Latin Grammy nomination. The success of that track sparked a full-length album recorded across Rio de Janeiro, Recife, São Paulo, and Lisbon.
The 12-track record is described by the agency Arruada as a “contemporary exercise based on Afro-Atlantic traditions.” It blends the rhythms of Brazil with the sounds of the African diaspora, exploring themes of resilience, invention, and cultural continuity.
Portuguese Talent Takes the Stage
D’Santiago was not the only Portuguese artist in the spotlight. Fado star Carminho received a nomination for Best Portuguese Language Roots Album for Eu Vou Morrer de Amor ou Resistir, though the category was won by Dominguinho Vol. 2 (Ao vivo). Additionally, the electronic group Karetus saw their music video for “Moleirinha”—featuring Conan Osiris and Isabel Silvestre—nominated for Best Short Form Music Video, a category ultimately won by Spanish superstar Rosalía.
The ceremony also honored Brazilian icon Daniela Mercury with a Lifetime Achievement Award for her enduring contributions to music and Latin communities. The night proved to be a powerful showcase for the growing influence of Afro-Portuguese and Brazilian sounds on the global stage.
Image: Pexels – Daniel Hernandez
