O GAJO

Inspired by his World Music influences, João Morais, after years dedicated to Punk Rock, delved into the roots of Portuguese music and discovered the Viola Campaniça, a traditional instrument that is part of the centuries-old Portuguese cultural history.
In 2017 he released “Longe do Chão”, in 2019, “As 4 Estações do GAJO”, in 2021 “Subterrâneos”, in 2023 “Não Lugar”, in 2024 “Terra Livre” and in 2025, “Trovoada”.
Throughout this journey, O GAJO performed at European festivals such as EUROSONIC (Holland), REEPERBAHN (Germany), Folk Alliance (Canada), Festival MATE (Brazil), MUMI (Galicia), Festival IMATERIAL and WOMEX, two Tours in Brazil, played in Finland, Luxembourg, MACAU and Poland.
Tirelessly exploring the potential of the viola campaniça earned him the “INATEL Award” at the Iberian Festival Awards in 2024, for innovation in Portuguese Popular Music.
The journey continues and in August 2025 O GAJO will pass through the Portuguese pavilion at the Osaka World Fair in Japan.