Whether in “festas da terrinha’, a family gathering, picnic, or even while cooking, Pimba music will be the favourite selection for the Portuguese, who cannot avoid to dance, sing and laugh to the songs performed by their favourite artists.

If Fado is known for its emotional depth, touching lyrics and performances, Pimba is known by the total opposite. Usually, Pimba songs are joyful, with hectic rhythms that will make everyone want to dance to the songs, which normally tell a story that can be interpreted in two different ways. The genre is very popular in Portugal, but the Portuguese communities abroad are a huge market for these artists, who, during winter, for example, perform shows in countries like Luxembourg, Switzerland and the United States of America, where several Portuguese emigrants are living.

Besides the very typical Portuguese sounds played through the accordion, Pimba music has been blending international sounds into its tunes. Over time, the artists have absorbed other genres' sonority, namely rhythms from Africa. Artists like Némanus have been releasing songs inspired by Funaná, from Cape Verde, like the song Beijo de Funaná. Emanuel, another Pimba artist, released a major hit in 2010 that was inspired by the Angola genre Kuduro.


The history of Pimba

After the 25th of April revolution, in 1974, the Portuguese people became free to share their ideas and live more freely. Given this, the artists had the opportunity to work on their art in a different way. Pimba appeared around the 80’s, but it was during the 90’s that it peaked in popularity.

A TV show called “Big Show Sic”, hosted by João Baião, on SIC TV channel, was one of the greatest enhancers of many Pimba artists in Portugal, where Emanuel performed the song “Pimba, Pimba”, which later became the name of the music genre loved by most of the Portuguese, of all ages.

The risky lyrics

The success of the songs may, obviously, be explained by the rhythms, but the lyrics also play a huge role in the genre's success.

Most of the songs start with a day-by-day situation. Buying an ice-cream, going to church, making food for the husband and in some cases joining the army. While the verses seem to be telling a normal story, the chorus makes everything turn upside down. Puns and metaphors make the delights of the listeners. What was supposed to be a story of a lovely meal turns out to be something very different, which can be considered not safe for work.

Pop and ballads

While most of the songs are joyful with risky puns, there are other tunes that are not sung the same way.

Especially in the 90’s, many artists decided to find other paths and sing the Pimba songs in a more romantic or ‘poppy’ way. Ágata is one of the most successful singers in Portugal and was known for her pop, soft and upbeat hits like Comunhão de Bens or Perfume de Mulher and even Sozinha, where the artists explored a breakup in many different ways, exploring various genres.


On the other hand, Mónica Sintra, known for her ballads, sings songs written in a very poetical way. For example, the song “Afinal Havia Outra” tells a story of a woman who did not know that her boyfriend was married. But, paying close attention to it, the listener will realise that the story is being told from the perspective of the lover, and not the wife. This proves that to write Pimba songs, some poetic knowledge is required.

However, Rosinha released something unexpected. Known for her joyful, double sense songs, the singer decided to make a ballad, with her magic touch, called “Ele Come Pipis”.


Bad reputation

Despite its popularity, Pimba has often been dismissed by critics and musicians who view it as low-brow or lacking in quality. Some Pimba singers, like Romana, have found it difficult to transition into other genres due to their strong association with popular music, even when recognised as having exceptional vocal talent.

Besides its popularity among the Portuguese, the Pimba genre often receives criticism from other artists and musicians who consider the genre to be inferior. Some artists had even seen their careers blocked due to their portfolio in the genre. Romana is one of those cases. Although recognised as one of the greatest Portuguese voices, she found it difficult to sing other genres apart from Pimba because of the beginning of her career, working in the genre.

The criticism is also connected to the lyrics, with other artists claiming that the songs perpetuate gender rules that current society should not be implying anymore

Remaining strong

Even today, Pimba remains a fixture of Portuguese celebrations. Hits from the 1990s are still staples at family gatherings and traditional pilgrimages, where a stage is almost always reserved for a Pimba act.


Apart from the criticism, the Pimba genre is still growing strong in Portugal, with the TV channels dedicating TV shows to the artists. The hits from the 90’s are still played and known by all generations. Every Portuguese adult and child will know the lyrics for “A Cabritinha” by Quim Barreiros, and will want to teach it to everyone.

The artists, even those who are not yet recognised by the general public, will be fully booked to perform at parties throughout the whole country, and even abroad. During the Summer, especially in August, all towns will have a Pimba show, bringing joy to the whole community.