Maria Severa Onofriana, daughter of Severo Manuel de Sousa and Ana Gertrudes, is known as the mythical figure of Lisbon fado. She was born on July 26, 1820, in the parish of Anjos.

Maria Severa toured Lisbon’s most popular neighborhoods, enlivening the evenings of many locals. After her presence, several taverns became famous. She had several loves, including the Count of Vimioso, who is said to have been enchanted by her voice and the way she played the guitar. She became known as “Severa”, gaining recognition for her loves and for the fados she sang and danced. She only lived 26 years, but in her short life she achieved great recognition. There is little confirmed information about her life, which is shrouded in mystery. However, those who knew her have left their stories.

Maria Severa was a very beautiful woman with a voice like no other. She had a very characteristic personality and those who knew her described her as a “very interesting fado singer, the likes of which Mouraria will never have again!… It won’t be easy to find another haughty and impetuous Severa, as generous as she was ready to smash the face of anyone who gave her a hard time! Valiant, full of affection for those she loved, just as she was rude to her enemies.” (Júlio de Sousa e Costa).

Although her fame was great during her lifetime, it is not comparable to the fame she enjoyed after her death.