Updated April 29, 2026, 3:03 p.m. ET
Fall River musician Josh Pereira won Best Rock Performance at the 2026 International Portuguese Music Awards.His winning song, “Saudade,” was written in memory of his late musical partner, Manel “The Island Man.”Pereira, who had not released solo music in nearly a decade, is now motivated to complete a new album.The awards ceremony honored artists of Portuguese descent from around the world at the Providence Performing Arts Center.
Fall River artist Josh Pereira won the Best Rock Performance Award for his song “Saudade” at the 2026 International Portuguese Music Awards.
The televised event honoring artists of Portuguese descent from around the world for their musical achievements was held April 25 at the Providence Performing Arts Center.
“I am so happy. It feels amazing, it really does,” Pereira told O Jornal with a big smile, shortly after receiving the IPMA trophy.
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His song “Saudade” was written in memory of his musical partner and friend Manel “The Island Man.” The track carries a balance of ache and comfort, shaped by loss and shared memories.
“You put so much work into a song, a piece of art, but to do it with Manel in mind and to be actually nominated was an honor… and to win, it’s awesome,” said Pereira, who is known for his soulful, rugged powerful voice.
Prior to “Saudade,” it had been almost a decade since Pereira had released solo music.
Shaped by a lifelong connection to his family’s roots in São Miguel, Azores, Pereira said he could not be more excited to receive an IPMA award.
“I am honored to be here and be a part of this,” said Pereira, who happened to be the “New Talent” runner-up at the very first IPMA in 2013. “I am happy for Manel. I hope he is smiling down on us.”
When asked if he already knew where he would be placing the trophy, Pereira said he had the perfect spot for it.
“Oh yeah, right next to the one he won,” he said. “Manel won an IPMA. When he passed, his wife and family were so nice to give it to me. So, it’s going next to where it belongs.”
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Pereira said he intends to continue creating independently, writing songs grounded in family, faith and the people who’ve shaped him.
“I’ve got a couple of other songs written, and I am working on an album that will come out when it’s done,” he said. “I am certainly more motivated after tonight to make it happen for this year.”
Now that he has found himself trying to establish once again his solo musical identity, he said it’s hard to pinpoint a music genre that suits him best.
“It’s interesting, one of the things that Manel and I shared was an eclectic library of music that influenced us,” Pereira said. “So, I love everything from jazz and pop to rock and bossa nova. That makes things a little more difficult on the genre side because you can’t really niche it down to one place. But, you know, honestly, I am in a place in my life where I just want to do music that I love and put it out there.”
As a result, the new album is probably going to be “a little flavor from here and a little flavor from there.”
“It’s something that people hopefully will listen to, enjoy and love… and will be able to hear different flavors from different genres,” he said.
Who were the other 2026 IPMA winners?
Portuguese TV personality Ricardo Farias and “NCIS: Los Angeles” alum Daniela Ruah hosted the event, which featured a powerhouse lineup of performers, including Calema, D.A.M.A, Richie Campbell, Assol Garcia, Némanus, and Nelson Sobral.
Besides Pereira, the 2026 IPMA winners were:
MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR
“Leaving You Behind” – Nuno, directed by Sebastian Crayn (Romania)
INSTRUMENTAL
“Fragmento Lunar (ft. João Frade, Érica Santiago & Samuel Navarro)” – Ensemble 17 (Portugal)
WORLD MUSIC
“Moleirinha (ft. Isabel Silvestre and Grupo De Cantares De Manhouce)” – Karetus, Conan Osíris and Júlio Pereira (Portugal)
TRADITIONAL
“Amor Sentido (ft. Minhotos Marotos)” – Cláudia Martins (Portugal)
FADO
“O Meu Nome é Ninguém” – Mariana Arroja (U.S.)
RAP/HIP-HOP/DANCE
“2 AM Somewhere (ft. charlieonnafriday)” – Bankrol Hayden (U.S.)
POP
“hard for you” – Mackenzie Arromba (Canada)
MÚSICA POPULAR (PORTUGUESE POPULAR MUSIC)
“Hoje Eu Vou” – Victor Rodrigues (Portugal)
SONG OF THE YEAR
“Visita Inesperada (ft. Jota.pê)” – Teresinha Landeiro, written by Teresinha Landeiro (Portugal)
PEOPLE’S CHOICE
Célio (France)
NEW TALENT
Ben Rodrigues (South Africa)