Ricardo da Conceição

With both parents originally from Madeira, Ricardo has a deep and personal connection to the island and its culture. On his father's side of the family, music runs deep, a tradition passed down through generations. His family roots trace back to Jardim do Mar, a village on Madeira's south-western coast, where the nickname Jardineiro is closely associated with music. For Ricardo, carrying the name Jardineiro is an honour and a proud acknowledgement of his family's musical legacy.

His own musical journey began in 2008 with a broken accordion belonging to his cousin. Curious and determined, he asked if he could take it and try to repair it, and he managed to bring it back to life. Entirely self-taught, Ricardo has never had a single accordion lesson. For two years he practised in front of a mirror to learn the keys, playing along to Portuguese melodies by ear until he had developed his own style.

One of his greatest inspirations was his late father, Paulo da Conceição, well known in the Portuguese community for his singing. Through his accordion, Ricardo honours his father's memory and the musical spirit of his family.

A special milestone came in 2012, when he was invited to perform in Quinta Grande, Madeira, at the Festa de Nossa Senhora and the Festa do Santíssimo. Sharing his music on Madeiran soil, at the traditional festivities of his parents' homeland, made the journey all the more meaningful.

Today Ricardo plays a wide repertoire of folk music from Madeira and mainland Portugal, travelling across South Africa to private functions, festivals and cultural celebrations. Birthdays, baptisms, corporate functions and even funerals: his accordion has accompanied people through some of life's happiest and most meaningful moments. One song holds a special place: Bailinho da Madeira. When those familiar notes begin, voices join in, feet start moving and the room comes alive.

Madeiran by heritage. Jardineiro by tradition. Musician by passion.