‘7 Saias’ continues to enthral crowd at Mall of Qatar

Internationally-renowned Portuguese folk group, ‘7 Saias’ (seven skirts), continues to enthral shoppers at Mall of Qatar’s (MoQ) Portugal Week, which concludes today.
“This is our first visit to the Middle East and we are fascinated with Qatar. The public received our music and image very well. Speaking to us the people show they like our clothes and rhythms,” the group’s public relations officer Carla Alves told Gulf Times.
She stressed that they were impressed how the public interacts with them despite the language barrier. During the group’s performance on stage, children were fascinated not only with the show but also with the performers’ colourful dress. Compared to other audiences in Portugal and other countries where they previously performed, she noted that Qatar’s culture is “very different.”
“People (in Qatar) look very enthusiastic to see seven ladies dancing and singing with very colourful and long dresses,” Alves said. She added that they usually perform for Portuguese communities around the world that know most of their songs as they are based on Portuguese traditional lyrics.
Founded eight years ago by the seven ladies and their producer, Paquito Rebelo, ‘7 Saias’ want to mix the tradition side of the Portuguese music with a modern touch.  Throughout its eight years of existence and after having released six CD’s, the group enchanted Portugal and several countries.  Alves said that with their traditional instruments and their joy, “each show is a small sample of the Portuguese culture.”
“We love representing our country and songs especially because we feel the acceptance of the public. Portuguese music is very rich,” she added. “Each region has a different sonority that attracts people.”
“We would love to come (to Doha) to make a show for the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar. We can make one music for the World Cup Qatar,” Alves said. The group also thanked the Portuguese embassy, MoQ and Al Tawfeeq Travel for inviting them to perform in Doha as a highlight of the Portugal Week.
‘7 Saias’ will perform live for the last time at MoQ’s Ooredoo Oasis stage at 2.30pm, 5.30pm and 8.30pm today.
The Portugal Week, organised by the Portuguese embassy in Doha, in partnership with MoQ and Al Tawfeeq Travel, features a series of activities and unique live performances. The festival give shoppers and mallgoers, especially families and children, an opportunity to experience and take part in a number of fun-filled activities at the mal