Fado Singer Ana Moura at Pensão Amor

Welcome back friends and loved ones to Expat in Lisbon! Lisbon continues to produce amazingness and I am eternally grateful. Today we went to Pensão Amor, Lisbon’s “it” place right now for a coffee and stumbled into a photoshoot for Ana Moura, one of the hottest Fadistas on the Fado scene right now. Ana Moura was born in Santarém, Portugal in 1979 and is internationally recognized as one of the most prodigious Fadistas to come out of Portugal. She has five albums and is the youngest fadista to be nominated for the Dutch Edison Award. Ana Moura is also incredibly friendly and beautiful in person.

Ana Moura at Pensão Amor

After we ordered coffee at Pensão Amor, I noticed some people setting up light boxes and guys with big cameras milling about. Later, when our coffee arrived, Ana Moura came in wearing an amazing outfit, the one you see above. I thought I recognized her, but I asked the manager to confirm and she said yes, it was indeed Ana Moura. So, naturally, I started talking to her in Portuguese about what the photoshoot was all about and if she had a concert in Lisbon. She said that it was for her new album to be recorded with producer Larry Klein in Los Angeles at Henson Recording Studios (where John Lennon, The Rolling Stones, and The Doors recorded, among others). She also said she was on her way to Mexico the next day for a tour. I was hoping for a local gig at Tasco do Chico!

Ana Moura at Pensão Amor II

Ana Moura was kind enough to let me snap some photos of her between the professional photographers photos too. She even posed for some of my photos! How many American/Brittish rock stars would do that? Zero. She’s officially my favorite fadista now.

Fado Singer Ana Moura at Pensão Amor III

What an amazing location for a photoshoot huh? Pensão Amor used to be a brothel/cheap hotel where sailors used to take prostitutes for, well, you know. It fell into disrepair until a new owner came along and turned it into a cafe by day and the hottest nightclub in Cais do Sodre at night. It literally is always packed on a weekend night. Do yourself a favor and be seen there.

What An Atmosphere at Pensão Amor

The decor on the inside of the main cafe room is pretty much vintage pornography (you should see the bathroom decor!) But, it is all class with marble tables, velvet drapes, an old piano in the corner, and authentic plush velvet chairs. We sat sipping our coffees and snapping photos while Ana Moura got changed. Wardrobe!

Getting Ready After Wardrobe Change

Hair!

Stylist!

Fadista Ana Moura at Pensão Amor

After a wardrobe change Ana reappeared in a white satin dress with a gold/platinum trim design and strappy gold and black high heels. Which outfit do you like better?

Fadista Ana Moura at Pensão Amor II

Fadista Ana Moura at Pensão Amor III

Fadista Ana Moura at Pensão Amor IV

Once again, thanks for visiting Expat in Lisbon and I hope you check out some of Ana Moura’s Music. If you haven’t already booked your flight to Lisbon, get on it! Something amazing happens here everyday.

Ana Moura and I