The Festival Authentica came to take place in the spectrum of the great music festivals in the country, with the particularity of taking place in winter, in an indoor space.

Inside Altice Forum Braga, divided by several stages, the highlight was the large area dedicated to the Palco Authentica. This one was premiered by Becky Hill.

Becky Hill

Becky Hill, the british artist that began her musical career at the age of 14 in the band Shaking. Trees and became famous when reaching the semi-finals of The Voice UK, under the guidance of Jessie J.

Crazy What Love Can Do and Better Off Without You are examples of hits brought by the artist, the latter being performed with British DJ Shift K3Y – and whose song reached number 14 on the UK Singles Chart.

Her career highlight came in 2014, when she became the first member of The Voice UK to score a UK number 1 when her song "Gecko (Overdrive)" with Oliver Heldens topped the UK Singles Chart.

Luísa Sonza

The Brazilian singer Luísa, who started her career in 2014 with covers of famous songs on YouTube, became very popular on social media, signing a contract with Universal Music Brasil and releasing her first track entitled Good Vibes.

Her first EP came out in October 2017. The work was self-titled as Luísa Sonza and contained her first single, Olhos Castanhos, as well as Não Quero de Você Pra Nada, with the collaboration of the well-known Luan Santana. Devagarinho, a track from the same EP, was on the list of top 50 songs on Brazilian Spotify.

On June 14, 2019, the singer released her debut studio album, titled Pandora. The disc contains the hits Pior Que Possa Imaginar and Garupa, the latter in collaboration with Pabllo Vittar.

Various hits that served to liven up a night where many of the audience had moved on purpose to watch this performance. Luisa Sonza was not at her best, due to drama and screamings hours before with the elimination of Brazil from the World Cup. However she stated to be supoorting Portugal from then on, ensuring the fans she was doing her best to give them a good show.

Kodaline

Everyone was ready and waiting for the big show of the headliners, Kodaline. The indie band from Ireland earned huge success with the song “All I Want”, highlighted in the famous series Grey’s Anatomy, in the 9th season and chosen as the soundtrack of the movie “The Fault in Our Stars”.

"In a Perfect World", was the band's first album, released in 2013, with successful singles and very well received, gaining space in Folk Rock in the United Kingdom. Along with many other hits from subsequent albums, a show full of audience participation sounded at the Authentica stage. Kodaline, already repeating in Portugal but headliners for the first time, proved to be up to the challenge, even if during the year they had been formatted for an acoustic tour. This could say a lot about the potential of this group.

More was to come on day 2, a short time ahead. In a blink of eyes, people were gathering in the food area and secondary stages before Nothing but Thieves starting action in the main stage.

Nothing but Thieves

Emerging from the vibrant music scene of Southend-on-Sea, England, Nothing but Thieves has established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the rock genre. The band's sound is a captivating blend of alternative rock, indie, and electronica, infused with raw energy and powerful vocals that have captivated audiences worldwide.

Their debut EP, "Broken Machine," released in 2014, introduced their signature sound and earned them critical acclaim. The band's breakthrough came in 2015 with the release of their single "Amsterdam," a powerful anthem that showcased their ability to create both sonically captivating and lyrically profound music. The song's success propelled them into the mainstream, garnering international recognition and establishing them as one of the most promising new bands in the rock scene.

Nothing but Thieves delivered a great show full of hits, including the mentioned “Amsterdam”, "Phobia," “Forever and Ever More" and “Impossible". Their performance was a testament to their ability to connect with the crowd on a deeply emotional level. The band's music is about love, loss, and the human experience, and their passion and authenticity shone through in their performance.

James Bay

James Bay is an English singer-songwriter who has captivated audiences worldwide with his soulful voice and heartfelt melodies. Born in Hitchin, Hertfordshire, England, Bay developed a passion for music at an early age, teaching himself to play the guitar at the age of 11. He began performing in local pubs and clubs, honing his songwriting skills and building a loyal following.

Bay's breakthrough came in 2014 with the release of his single "Hold Back the River," which topped the UK Singles Chart and became an international hit. The song's success led to a major-label record deal and the release of Bay's debut studio album, "Chaos and Calm," in 2015. Bay's music is characterized by its raw emotionality, introspective lyrics, and soulful vocals. He has been compared to artists such as Jeff Buckley, Van Morrison, and Sam Smith. His songwriting delves into themes of love, loss, and self-discovery, resonating deeply with listeners worldwide.

A serenading and vibrant concert for the audience with his signature hits "Hold Back the River" and "Let It Go” as a must in the setlist. Bay's voice is a thing of beauty, and his songs are full of emotion and longing. He created an atmosphere of intimacy and shared emotion with the audience, and his performance was truly unforgettable.

Rag'n'Bone Man

The festival concluded with a powerful performance by Rag'n'Bone Man, the British singer known for his ‘Human’ hit and various stage covers. Despite not allowing photography during his set, he delivered a proper ending performance that left a lasting impression on the audience, wanting for more of this Festival in the upcoming year.

The Authentica Festival, with its two days of captivating performances and diverse lineup, has undoubtedly cemented its place as a must-attend event for music lovers in Portugal. The festival's ability to bring together artists from various genres and create an innovative experience during Winter time for its audience is a testament to its unique charm and enduring appeal.