Dino D’Santiago Wins Latin Grammy: A Victory for Portugal
The Mayor of Loulé, Telmo Pinto, celebrated “immense joy” today following a historic Latin Grammy win for Portuguese musician Dino D’Santiago. The Quarteira-born artist’s victory is being hailed as a defining moment for global Portuguese-speaking culture.
A Landmark Win for the ‘Lusophone World’
“It is with immense joy that we see our dear Dino win one of the most prestigious international music awards,” Mayor Pinto said in a statement. “This is a victory for him and his project partners, but it is also a victory for the Lusophone world.”
The award-winning project, a Luso-Brazilian collaboration titled Criolo, Amaro & Dino, features D’Santiago alongside Brazilian stars Criolo and Amaro Freitas. The trio secured the Grammy for Best Portuguese-Language Roots Album/Afro-Portuguese-Brazilian Music during the ceremony held Thursday night in Las Vegas.
Roots in Quarteira, Reach Across the Globe
D’Santiago, who is of Cape Verdean descent, remains deeply connected to his upbringing in the Faro district. Mayor Pinto emphasized that the musician’s success serves as a powerful beacon for his hometown.
“He is someone who never forgot his roots and who, through his talent, creativity, and the values he defends, has taken the name of Loulé further and further,” Pinto added. “He is an inspiration, especially for young people, who find in him an example that it is possible to start in Quarteira and conquer the world.”
Ambassador for Culture
The timing of the Grammy win is particularly significant as Loulé prepares its bid to become the Portuguese Capital of Culture in 2028. D’Santiago serves as one of the official ambassadors for the candidacy.
“He represents many of the values we want to project in 2028: a culture without borders that respects its roots, welcomes difference, and brings people together,” the Mayor stated.
A Unified Musical Vision
In his acceptance speech, D’Santiago paid tribute to the shared heritage of the Portuguese-speaking nations. “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.
The award-winning album grew out of the 2024 single “Esperança,” a collaboration involving the three artists and Brazilian producer Nave. The project, recorded across studio sessions in Rio de Janeiro, Recife, São Paulo, and Lisbon, is described as a fusion of three distinct perspectives creating a new, unified musical language.
Image: Pexels – Tânia Roques
