Portuguese duo Némanus win Best of Europe at the InterContinental Music Awards for “Beijo de Funaná”, spotlighting Lusophone dance music globally

By InterContinental Music Awards (ICMA)

In an era where trends often move faster than artistry, Némanus have built something lasting.

Raised in the coastal town of Peniche, Portugal, the brother duo did not rise through viral moments or industry shortcuts. Their journey has been shaped by years of live performance, cultural pride, and a deep connection to the rhythms that define Lusophone identity.

That dedication was recognized on a global stage when Némanus won Best of Europe in the Latin category at the 2025 InterContinental Music Awards for their song “Beijo de Funaná”.

This milestone is not only a defining moment in their career. It is also a celebration of Portuguese and Lusophone dance music reaching audiences far beyond its traditional borders!

Rooted in Culture, Open to the World

Némanus create music that feels both local and universal. Their sound draws from Portuguese popular traditions, Cape Verdean funaná, kizomba, and contemporary dance production. The result is music that carries memory, migration, celebration, and movement within every beat.

For communities across Portugal and the global Portuguese diaspora, their songs are more than entertainment. They are cultural continuity. They are identity on the dance floor.

Instead of chasing global trends, Némanus have refined a sound that stays true to its origins while embracing modern production and international energy. That balance is exactly what makes their music travel so well.

Beijo de Funaná: Tradition Reimagined

Beijo de Funaná captures the essence of what Némanus do best.

Funaná, with its unmistakable rhythmic pulse and Cape Verdean roots, is reinterpreted through a contemporary lens that feels vibrant and current without losing authenticity. The track radiates joy, movement, and cultural pride.

Among a competitive field of international submissions, the song stood out for its clarity of identity and infectious energy. Its win at the InterContinental Music Awards reflects the power of music that honors heritage while speaking to a global audience.

For the InterContinental Music Awards, which celebrate excellence across continents and independent scenes, this recognition aligns perfectly with the mission to spotlight artists who remain authentic while connecting worldwide.

A Career Built on Longevity

What makes Némanus’ journey especially meaningful is its consistency.

For more than two decades, the duo have cultivated their audience through live shows, community connection, and steady artistic growth. Sold out performances across Portugal and millions of online views have not come from overnight exposure, but from long term dedication.

Their ICMA win reinforces an important message for independent artists everywhere. Global recognition does not require abandoning cultural roots. In many cases, it requires embracing them fully.

A Moment That Signals Something Bigger

As global music spaces become more inclusive, artists representing Lusophone traditions are increasingly stepping into international visibility.

Némanus’ recognition at the InterContinental Music Awards highlights a broader shift. European Latin and Portuguese language artists are part of a worldwide conversation. Their rhythms are not regional. They are global.

For Némanus, this award is not a finish line. It is momentum. It is a confirmation that music grounded in culture can resonate anywhere.

And for Lusophone dance music, it is another step forward on the world stage.

Follow Némanus Online

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nemanusoficial/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nemanusoficial/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/nemanus

About the InterContinental Music Awards

The InterContinental Music Awards celebrate outstanding musical talent from around the world, recognizing artists across genres, cultures, and independent scenes. The awards are committed to amplifying voices that reflect the diversity and depth of today’s global music landscape.

Follow InterContinental Music Awards for more winner spotlights, artist features, and global music discovery.

Follow InterContinental Music Awards Online

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