In this episode of the podcast “The Heart and Hustle of Portugal,” Kura revisits a journey built on persistence, unseen work, and a deep connection to Portuguese culture. Ruben de Almeida speaks about the late courage it took to incorporate Portuguese lyrics and Fado influences into his productions, honoring a cultural heritage he has always treated “with the utmost respect.” He explains that this fusion is not meant to reinvent the genre, but to expand Portugal to the world, something proven when his version of “Canção do Mar,” with Jéssica Cipriano, sparked emotional reactions across the globe.

Caught between creative pressure, self-doubt, and constant ambition, Kura sees himself as a perpetual underdog, someone who starts from zero every day. Even so, he takes pride in seeing names like Tiësto and Hardwell recognize his work. With the recent release of his first album, “Sentir Saudade,” the artist closes an important chapter of his career and prepares for a new era, tougher and riskier, reinforcing his mission to carry Portuguese identity even further.

In this episode of the podcast &ldquo;The Heart and Hustle of Portugal,&rdquo; Kura revisits a journey built on persistence, unseen work, and a deep connection to Portuguese culture. Ruben de Almeida speaks about the late courage it took to incorporate Portuguese lyrics and Fado influences into his productions, honoring a cultural heritage he has always treated &ldquo;with the utmost respect.&rdquo; He explains that this fusion is not meant to reinvent the genre, but to expand Portugal to the world, something proven when his version of &ldquo;Can&ccedil;&atilde;o do Mar,&rdquo; with J&eacute;ssica Cipriano, sparked emotional reactions across the globe.
Caught between creative pressure, self-doubt, and constant ambition, Kura sees himself as a perpetual underdog, someone who starts from zero every day. Even so, he takes pride in seeing names like Ti&euml;sto and Hardwell recognize his work. With the recent release of his first album, &ldquo;Sentir Saudade,&rdquo; the artist closes an important chapter of his career and prepares for a new era, tougher and riskier, reinforcing his mission to carry Portuguese identity even further.

Each week, join Tony Gonçalves—a U.S.-based Portuguese immigrant and successful media executive—as he explores the stories of those driving Portugal’s influence on the global stage. From visionary entrepreneurs to cultural pioneers, The Heart and Hustle of Portugal uncovers the unique ways the Portuguese identity thrives worldwide. As Expresso’s first English-language product, this series bridges cultures and connects the global audience to Portugal’s spirit of innovation, passion, and resilience.

Each week, join Tony Gonçalves—a U.S.-based Portuguese immigrant and successful media executive—as he explores the stories of those driving Portugal’s influence on the global stage. From visionary entrepreneurs to cultural pioneers, The Heart and Hustle of Portugal uncovers the unique ways the Portuguese identity thrives worldwide. As Expresso’s first English-language product, this series bridges cultures and connects the global audience to Portugal’s spirit of innovation, passion, and resilience.

Tony Gonçalves—a U.S.-based Portuguese immigrant and successful media executive— explores the stories of those driving Portugal’s influence on the global stage

The Heart & Hustle of Portugal

The Heart and Hustle of Portugal

Ruben de Almeida, known as Kura, is today one of the most influential names in Portuguese electronic music, with a solid presence on major international stages. He began as a shy resident DJ in Lisbon’s clubs and became one of the few Portuguese EDM artists to earn a prominent position in the DJ Mag Top 100. Listen to this conversation hosted by Tony Gonçalves.