Mariza (Portuguese pronunciation: [mɐˈɾizɐ]),[1][2] born Marisa dos Reis Nunes (16 December 1973, Lourenço Marques, Portuguese Mozambique) is a popular fado singer. Mariza was born to a Portuguese father and a mother of partial African heritage.

[3] At age three, her family moved to Metropolitan Portugal, and she was raised in Lisbon's historic quarters of Mouraria and Alfama. While very young she began singing in a wide variety of musical styles, including gospel, soul and jazz. Her father strongly encouraged her to adopt fado; he felt that participating in the traditional music would grant her greater acceptance in the Portuguese community.