From the sun-drenched streets of Portugal to the vibrant studios of Paris, Manuela Dhovar is captivating listeners with her latest single ‘Maria,’ a heartfelt pop anthem released on Friday 8th August 2025.
Rooted in the simplicity of two chords and inspired by her immersion in Portuguese culture, this Brazilian-infused pop track is a celebration of youthful naivety, curiosity, and the delicate balance of carefree exploration.
Born in a small town near Porto, Portugal, Manuela Dhovar weaves her life’s journey into her music. Maria emerged from quiet moments with her acoustic guitar, its gentle strums forming the backbone of the track.
Written between 2022 and 2023, the song captures the essence of being a young woman, naive, fragile, yet brimming with curiosity, while offering a subtle reminder to tread carefully through life’s adventures.
Initially arranged in Belgium and polished in a Parisian studio, Maria blends authenticity with professional finesse, complemented by a simple yet evocative low-cost music video that Manuela personally upgraded to reflect her vision.
Manuela Dhovar’s path to music is as unique as her sound. Growing up in Portugal, she first discovered her musical spark in school, tinkering with melodies on a piano and a school flute.
After exploring visual arts and fashion design, she found her true voice in Belgium, where singing became her outlet for overcoming shyness and fear of judgment.
Now, as Manuela Dhovar, a stage name born from her real name and her hometown, Ovar, she crafts songs that oscillate between intimate ballads and dynamic anthems, each a reflection of her emotions and experiences.
Maria marks a pivotal moment for Manuela, whose solo project thrives on her creative independence and collaborations with professional studios.
While she’s performed sparingly over the past decade, her 2024 release, ‘La valse des cigognes,’ garnered positive feedback, though her relentless pursuit of perfection drives her forward.
With Maria, she invites listeners to embrace the song’s emotional freedom, hoping they’ll connect with its universal themes in their own way.
Early YouTube reactions have already sparked joy, with likes and comments fuelling her motivation to keep creating.
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