International Portuguese Music Awards reveal 2026 performers and announce new podcast partnership
The International Portuguese Music Awards (IPMA), one of the leading global celebrations of Portuguese talent and culture, will roll out the red carpet on April 25, 2026, at the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) in Rhode Island. Now in its 14th edition, IPMA celebrates the outstanding achievements of artists of Portuguese descent from around the world, across all music genres and languages. The event will air in Portugal on RTP1 and worldwide through RTP International and additional television networks across North America.
According to a study completed by a group of researchers from University of Lisbon, one in every twelve residents of Rhode Island is either a Portuguese immigrant or a descendant, underscoring the state’s deep cultural connection to the Lusophone world.
PERFORMERS
Calema: The São Tomé and Príncipe-born brothers deliver sleek pop-soul with Lusophone roots. Widely regarded as the hottest Portuguese-language act today, they pair massive streaming numbers with sold-out arenas.
D.A.M.A: Lisbon’s hit-making pop trio blend sleek hooks with hip-hop and acoustic flair. They’ve become one of Portugal’s most popular contemporary acts.
Richie Campbell: With his roots in reggae and dancehall and his voice now leaning into R&B and afrobeats, Portuguese star Richie Campbell has sold out Lisbon’s MEO Arena and earned multi-platinum status at home. He is also the founder of the independent label and agency Bridgetown.
Némanus: The Portuguese duo have become a staple of Portuguese-language party anthems. They’re celebrated for their upbeat sound and high-energy performances.
Nelson Sobral: The Portuguese-Canadian singer-songwriter blends roots rock, soul, and blues with heartfelt storytelling. A two-time IPMA nominee, his music pairs classic rock grit with soulful vocals and magnetic stage energy.
Assol Garcia: A Cape Verdean-American singer based in Boston, Assol Garcia fuses soulful vocals with Afro-Lusophone and world-music influences. She is a three-time IPMA nominee, and won the IPMA "World Music" category in 2024 with her song “Caxon Ka Tem Cofre” (ft. Charly Duri).
TICKET INFORMATION
The fourteenth annual International Portuguese Music Awards is slated for Saturday, April 25, 2026 at the historic Providence Performing Arts Center. Tickets are now on sale through ipmaawards.com and the PPAC box office.
A CELEBRATION OF PORTUGUESE HERITAGE
Artists of Portuguese descent living in any country have until November 30 to submit their song or music video to be considered for nomination. The New Talent category finalists will perform during the televised show, broadcast to an audience of more than 20 million households worldwide.
PODCAST PARTNERSHIP
IPMA also announced a major new partnership with The Heart and Hustle of Portugal podcast. This collaboration features a special music-focused season of the podcast, led by host Tony Gonçalves and distributed by Expresso and SIC. The weekly episodes will focus on conversations with leading Portuguese talent, members of the diaspora, and international artists who share a meaningful connection to Portugal including Dino D’Santiago, Tim of Xutos e Pontapés, and DJ Kura. Many of these artists have deep ties to IPMA, and the partnership creates a powerful storytelling platform that highlights their journeys, influences, and cultural impact. The season will culminate adjacent to the IPMA flagship event.
ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL PORTUGUESE MUSIC AWARDS (IPMA)
The International Portuguese Music Awards is an annual event honoring and celebrating artists of Portuguese descent living in any country. IPMA highlights the rich cultural diversity of the Lusophone world and provides a platform for emerging and established artists.
**MEDIA CONTACT**
Diane Fontes