We first met Manic Boys and Girls Club backstage at the International Portuguese Music Awards last year. This time, Fernando and Bela weren’t there as performers. They were there as friends, fans, former performers, and part of the community that keeps coming back year after year.

They sat down with Tony Gonçalves to talk about what they’ve been building since our first conversation, why imperfection has become part of the band’s identity, the difference between creating music in the studio and performing live, and why the moments that go sideways are often the ones people remember most.

We first met Manic Boys and Girls Club backstage at the International Portuguese Music Awards last year. This time, Fernando and Bela weren&rsquo;t there as performers. They were there as friends, fans, former performers, and part of the community that keeps coming back year after year.
They sat down with Tony Gon&ccedil;alves to talk about what they&rsquo;ve been building since our first conversation, why imperfection has become part of the band&rsquo;s identity, the difference between creating music in the studio and performing live, and why the moments that go sideways are often the ones people remember most.

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

Manic Boys and Girls Club return for a special episode live backstage at the IPMA. Fernando and Bela talk about heritage, performance and the differences between live shows and recorded music