The Festival Authentica, known for its unique winter setting within the confines of an indoor venue, returned with a bang in December 2023.

This edition saw another interesting lineup including James Arthur, Calum Scott, Kevin O Chris, Tom Grennan, and Calema gracing the stages at Altice Forum Braga over the past weekend. The second installment of the winter festival attracted nearly 20,000 attendees over the course of two days, solidifying its status as a major event in December's music scene.

The festival area took over both the interior and exterior of Altice Forum Braga, boasting two covered stages: the Authentica Stage and the Urban Stage. Amidst the chilly winter air and rain, attendees were treated to electrifying performances against the backdrop of the festival's ambiance.

Authentica Stage

At the Authentica staged, five performances each day were expecting, always starting with Portuguese artists.

Xutos & Pontapés

The Xutos e Pontapés, formed in 1978, are an iconic Portuguese rock band, known for their contagious energy and lyrics that capture the rebellious spirit and urban life. With a career spanning decades, they are an undeniable reference in national music.

Unfortunately, they had to cancel their performance at the Authentica stage due to health issues of one of the members. The band announced on social media that, due to João Cabeleira's condition, it would not be possible to hold the concert at the festival. The group expressed regret for the cancellation and the inconvenience caused to fans and the event promoter.

Calum Scott

Calum Scott first gained widespread recognition in 2015 when he auditioned for the ninth series of Britain's Got Talent. His emotional rendition of Robyn's "Dancing On My Own" earned him a standing ovation from the judges and audience, ultimately propelling him to the finals of the competition. Following his success on the show, Calum signed with Capitol Records and released his debut single "Dancing On My Own" in 2016, which quickly climbed the charts and garnered millions of views on YouTube.

Since his breakout moment, Calum Scott has continued to captivate audiences worldwide with his soulful voice and heartfelt performances. His debut album "Only Human," released in 2018, showcased his talent for blending pop and soul influences, earning critical acclaim and solidifying his status as a rising star in the music industry. In 2023, Calum Scott took to the stage at Authentica, where he delivered a mesmerizing performance as the "opening" act of the night.

His powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence captivated the crowd, creating an unforgettable experience for all in attendance. As the audience basked in the afterglow of Calum Scott's electrifying performance, anticipation mounted for the arrival of James Arthur.

James Arthur

James Arthur rose to fame after winning the ninth series of The X Factor UK in 2012. His debut single "Impossible" topped the charts in the UK and earned him international acclaim. Since then, James has released multiple successful albums, showcasing his versatility as a singer-songwriter across various genres, including pop, rock, and R&B.

With his soulful voice and powerful songwriting, James Arthur has become a household name in the music industry. His hits like "Say You Won't Let Go" and "Naked" have garnered millions of streams worldwide, solidifying his status as one of the UK's most celebrated artists.

Despite a shaky start marked by a minor glitch with the auto-tune, which seemed unnecessary for an artist of his caliber, James Arthur's performance swiftly regained momentum and soared to new heights. With his undeniable talent shining through, he delivered a flawless set that left the audience spellbound. The night reached its pinnacle when special guest Fernando Daniel joined him on stage, igniting the crowd into a frenzy and culminating what many considered a triumphant conclusion to the festival.

As the night came to a close, it was clear that Authentica had delivered an extraordinary evening of music, with Calum Scott and James Arthur leaving a lasting impression on Braga's eager concert-goers. Anyways, we also checked up the second stage throughout the day!

Urban Stage

The Urban Stage is dedicated to showcasing both national and international Hip-Hop and Trap artists.

Lon3r Johny

Lon3r Johnny, a Portuguese musician initially known as "Johny BK", began his musical journey in 2012, exploring boom bap beats. After a period in London, he reemerged in Portugal as "Lon3r Johnny", blending emo with trap in his 2017 EPs. Joining ProfJam's Think Music label in 2018 propelled his career, leading to performances at renowned festivals like Meo Sudoeste. Despite leaving Think Music in 2020, Lon3r Johnny continued to evolve, releasing his second album "Vida Rockstar" in 2022, which introduced the innovative "rage rap" style to Portuguese hip-hop. His historic performance at the first Rolling Loud festival in Europe in July 2022 solidified his place in the Portuguese music scene.

Lon3r Johnny, formerly known as "Johny BK", embarked on his musical journey in 2012, experimenting with boom bap beats. Rebranding as "Lon3r Johnny" after a stint in London, he fused emo and trap in his 2017 EPs, gaining recognition upon joining ProfJam's Think Music label in 2018. Despite leaving the label in 2020, Lon3r Johnny's career thrived with the release of his second album "Vida Rockstar" in 2022, pioneering the "rage rap" style in Portuguese hip-hop. His performance at the inaugural Rolling Loud festival in Europe in July 2022 further cemented his status in the Portuguese music landscape.

Orochi

Orochi was born on May 21, 1999, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He began his musical journey at a young age, experimenting with various styles before finding his footing in the rap genre. Orochi rose to fame through his participation in rap battles, where his quick wit and sharp delivery earned him respect in the underground rap community. His breakthrough came with the release of his debut album "Pedra Filosofal" in 2018, which showcased his lyrical prowess and storytelling abilities. Since then, Orochi has continued to make waves in the Brazilian rap scene, collaborating with other artists and releasing singles that resonate with audiences for their raw honesty and social commentary.

Orochi faced legal troubles on July 1, 2022, when he and three others were arrested by police in Rio de Janeiro for illegal drug possession. Ecstasy, hashish, and marijuana were found in the car, leading to their detention at the 78th DP in the Fonseca neighborhood of Niterói. Despite the setbacks, Orochi continued to make waves in the music industry, earning an invitation to perform at Rock in Rio on September 10, 2022. Taking the stage at the Espaço Favela, Orochi showcased his talent to a wide audience, demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity. In 2023, it was time to do the same in Braga, with the Urban Stage attracting a completely packed audience.

Huge anticipation for the next winter. See you at Festival Authentica 2024!