Fall River Artist Wins Big at Portuguese Music Awards

There’s something inspiring about seeing a local artist take a moment like this and turn it into something bigger than themselves.

For Josh Pereira, that moment came at the 2026 International Portuguese Music Awards inside the Providence Performing Arts Center, where the Fall River native walked away with a major win in the Rock category for his deeply personal song “Saudade.”

Pereira, 37, born and raised in Fall River, isn’t new to music or the IPMAs, but this win hits different. It’s his second award, coming more than a decade after his first, during a stretch of life where music had taken a bit of a backseat to family, business, and everyday responsibilities.

A Song Built on Loss, Love and Meaning

The winning track “Saudade” isn’t just another submission. It’s a tribute.

Pereira wrote the song in memory of his close friend and longtime musical partner, Manel “The Island Man,” who passed away from cancer. Over the course of a year, Pereira poured his grief, memories, and faith into the track, trying to capture a feeling that’s hard to define but instantly understood. Especially within Portuguese culture.

“It was like losing a brother,” Pereira said, describing the bond they shared after years of making music together.

The song itself blends rock, folk, indie and soul influences, much like Pereira’s overall style, with lyrics that reflect both heartbreak and hope. For those familiar with Manel’s music, Pereira even included subtle lyrical nods and “Easter eggs” as a way to honor his friend’s legacy.

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From Nomination to Unforgettable Moment

Even getting nominated was meaningful, especially considering the song had only been released about a year earlier. It was intentionally timed to mark the anniversary of Manel’s passing, but winning? That was something Pereira didn’t see coming.

READ MORE: Fall River Native Josh Pereira Shines as IPMAs Return to Providence

Sitting in the audience with his wife, simply enjoying the night, he had no real expectation of hearing his name called. When it finally happened, it hit all at once.

“I stood up and went on stage, and it was just a really cool feeling,” he said.

Looking out at a packed theater filled with familiar faces and members of the Portuguese community, Pereira described the moment as surreal, especially when thinking back to attending the very first IPMAs years ago as a young artist.

His first words on stage said everything: "This one was for Manel."

A Full-Circle Moment for a Fall River Artist

In many ways, the win felt like everything coming together at once: loss, memory, culture, and music all meeting in one moment.

Pereira admits he’s always tried to stay grounded, not getting too high or too low with the highs and lows of music, but this experience has reignited something.

“It’s been motivating,” he said.

Despite running his own marketing agency, Solmos Creative, and balancing family life, Pereira has continued writing music behind the scenes. Now, with new momentum and a growing audience reconnecting with his work, he’s considering releasing more and possibly even a full album. For a self-made artist recording music out of his own space, the recognition is both humbling and inspiring.