| Mano Belmonte: Vocalist | |
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The Voice, The Presence, The Friend Mano Belmonte was born in the beautiful, picturesque town of Santo Tirso (Northern mainland Portugal). He revealed a talent for music and acting from a very early age. Whenever there was a school or family function, Mano would invariably be invited to take part and would delight his audiences with his artistic abilities. At age 17, he made his "official" singing debut at the Cine-Teatro in Vila das Aves where he was accompanied by the then popular band "Os Lacraus" who later were to become his own private band. At 19 he was invited to record fado for the Emissora Nacional, the Portuguese national radio station and that led to his first commercial recording contract with the prestigious record label "Alvorada". It was a success and so a "star" was born, but he was prevented from reaching out to more distant horizons by his conscription into the Portuguese army. Mano was to serve in Angola as a Militia Corporal in the Medical Corps. Even then, whenever he could, he would mitigate his homesickness by performing for the military and civilians. After returning to Portugal, Belmonte felt he wanted to continue his career as an artist, but by then things had become rather difficult. He had to go to work in the family car business but this did not signify he had left his singing career behind altogether for he would perform when and wherever possible. In 1975 Mano Belmonte was invited to perform in Montreal, Canada where he was an immediate a success. This soon led to other performances in Toronto where he found a larger Portuguese community and wider media coverage. He decided to stay in these parts for a spell and gave several shows throughout the entire province of Ontario. The year 1976 saw Belmonte in France, Portugal and back in Toronto where he recorded "De Rosa ao Peito". Even today the song is still his signature tune at his performances. In 1977 he incorporated the cast as singer/actor of the Portuguese theatre mini revue "Quentes e Boas" and toured with the show from coast to coast in both Canada and the United States. It is on this tour that he came to launch his first LP "Belmonte Canta Folclore", which was recorded in Portugal and that became a huge hit. That same year Belmonte decided to settle in Toronto and do what he most loved: SING and that is precisely what he has been doing throughout the years…recordings, radio and TV appearances and shows. In the year 2000 he celebrated the 25th anniversary of his career as an artist in Canada by launching yet another CD titled "Mano a Mano". And what a party it was! The media and his fans, whom he loves and adores, hailed it the show of the year! Throughout his life Belmonte has received countless flowers, dozens of trophies, hugs and kisses from his adoring public. He has cried tears of joy and sadness for some love him and others not. He is, however, undoubtedly charismatic… His voice, his affable personality, simplicity, the friendship with which he embraces each and everyone and above all the spirit of solidarity that inhabits his soul, make Mano Belmonte a serious case of popularity! De Rosa ao Peito (With a Rose in his Lapel), Belmonte has always sung hits! Belmonte is a household name among the Portuguese communities of North America. He has managed throughout the years to evolve as a person and an artist integrated in a society that is at times quite ingrate! He is one of the community artists with most performances per annum. His simplicity and gentlemanly demeanour has made of BELMONTE a serious case of popularity for any of the clubs or associations who may come to contract the singer of "ROSA AO PEITO" For further information please contact: 20 Vanauley St. - Suite 713
A free translation by Adiaspora.com of original
Portuguese text courtesy of Mano Belmonte |
