Dona Zéfinha is a group Portuguese group folk group that features Francisco Pestana from Monte do Trigo and Francisco Melo and Tiago Pinto de Santana from the municipality of Portel (Évora). The musicians use vocals and a regional folk guitar called viola campaniça to perform “modas” from the traditional songbook of Alentejo (Cancioneiro Tradicional Alentejano).
The trio’s name “Os Dona Zéfinha” is a tribute to an iconic lady born and raised in Portel (although now deceased) named Josefa Inácia Prego, better known as “Ceginha” or “Zéfinha de Portel”. Despite being blind, she played several musical instruments, such as the viola campaniça and sang at dance events and pilgrimages, mainly in her county and also in the Baixo Alentejo region.
The group released the recordings “A Moda da Zéfinha” and “A Menina Dança, tem Par ou Descansa?”
Dona Zéfinha has performed throughout Portugal as well as in Canada. They also also appeared on TV shows such as “Got Talent Portugal” on RTP 1 and “All Together Now” on TVI.
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.