Exploring local talent: The multi-talented artist’s journey from musical performances to art exhibitions across the Algarve
– December 18, 2024 | Text Beatriz Maio
Born in Marbella, in the south of Spain, it was in Portimão that the singer Ally Garrido grew up and found herself as an artist. Daughter of a Spanish mother and an Algarvian father, she was brought up by her Mozambican grandmother, for whom she had great admiration and respect and who encouraged her never to stop singing.
Music has always been a part of her life, whether through family influence or extracurricular activities. She remembers waking up to the sound of her grandmother’s vinyl recordings playing, which brought the whole house to life in the morning, and being enchanted by the duets sung by her father and mother that mixed Portuguese and Spanish.
In 2009, she won the Portimão New Talent Competition and, since then, the stage has been her home.
Her desire to explore and become independent led her to move to Leiria, in central Portugal, as soon as she finished secondary school, where she lived for three years with one of her five brothers and sisters.
She later decided to return to the Algarve, where she began singing at the Solverde Casinos units. “My first job offer as a singer came after someone heard me sing at Karaoke,” she recalled. She started by working during the day and sang at night, thus building her repertoire and career, both in Portugal and abroad.
After moving to London, UK, where she spent six years, Ally had the opportunity to meet and learn from renowned artists such as singer-songwriter Seu Jorge and percussionist Anselmo Neto. She also met Amy Winehouse’s father, Mitch, without imagining that she would later embody and honour the singer.
Back in Portimão, and this time to stay, she has brought to the stage her unique style, which combines everything from Jazz and Soul to Bossa Nova.
In 2021, she created the Amy Winehouse Tribute Band with Fernando Esteves on guitar, Bony Godoy on bass, Corey Smith on keyboard, Ricardo Jesus on saxophone, and Léo Tomich on drums.
The following year came the Ally Garrido Collective, which also includes Andrés on piano, Bony Godoy on guitar and electric bass, and Léo Tomich on drums. Although they launched as a cover band, they are already preparing original songs in Portuguese.
The singer, who has already released two songs in collaboration with the producer Oliver Beltz – called Porto de Abrigo and Just Dancing –, could not hide her excitement when she revealed the release of an album in early 2025.
“I want to bring my music to people. I want them to relate to the lyrics and the melody and, above all, to feel good. Each track is a collective sharing of feelings and emotions, just like the band Ally Garrido Collective represents,” she emphasised adding that the unity of all the members makes Ally feel at home when she performs.
Always barefoot, the stage is her comfort zone and happy place, which she shares with the audience in a close and intimate way.
But Ally’s talent goes beyond music. She recently discovered an artistic side that she can also use to communicate with and captivate others – painting. Although she only took up this art form as a hobby about a year ago, she already has over 100 paintings.
Some are on display in galleries such as Canto & Serra in Portimão and at Clube União Portimonense, and the rest can be purchased via social media (ally.garridopaints).
Her home has also been transformed into a space full of works of art, ranging from abstract to textured paintings, using the most varied materials and objects.
As her creativity knows no bounds, Ally has also delved into performance art, where she acts whilst exhibiting her work, which she has already done at Galeria Porca Preta in Monchique and at the Porta Velha bar in Portimão.
“I find in music and painting a way of expressing myself. I feel that both are directly linked to my emotions and my soul,” she highlighted.
Self-taught in all these areas, Ally promises to continue exploring both worlds and to surprise with various concerts and exhibitions.
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