- Insiders Profile -
Independent Musician & Pianist
Known for her emotional depth and magnetic stage presence, Roberta Ba is a pianist and independent musician shaping Lisbon’s contemporary music scene. Originally from Lithuania and now based in Portugal, she blends classical training with soulful improvisation and modern influences, creating performances that feel intimate, powerful, and deeply personal.
We spoke with Roberta about her artistic journey, her relationship with Lisbon, and the places where she finds inspiration.
◆ What first inspired your journey into music, and how did the piano become your main form of expression?
My journey into music began in kindergarten, where I was always the kid who loved singing in front of people, from local to national contests. But the real beginning was at my grandmother’s house in the village. She had this old, slightly out-of-tune piano - her dream was that one of her children would play, but life went another way. I spent my summers pressing those imperfect keys, amazed that something so old could still hold so much emotion. At eight, I started music school. The piano had already captured me, and when I learned to read music, I began exploring sheets beyond my classical exercises - trying out everything that sparked my curiosity (more often pop and classic rock songs!)
◆ If you had to describe your musical universe in just three words?
Feelings made sound.
◆ You mix classical technique with modern, soulful influences – how would you define your artistic identity today?
I feel like this is the year I’m truly arriving at my sound. Supporting different acts last year helped me understand what feels authentic to me. My music always starts with emotion - translating what I feel into sound. If that counts as a definition, then that’s my identity. And still, I know I’m evolving. My artistic voice is constantly reshaping itself, and I love that it’s still in motion.
◆ You recently performed at the Open Mic de La Badassery. What makes these intimate, spontaneous gigs so special?
It’s the atmosphere – that spark that happens when a space is full of talented artists and music lovers. You can’t help but be moved.
These spontaneous gigs carry less pressure and more honesty. I often play songs that were written days, sometimes hours, before. It’s raw, real, and people feel that. Badassery, this open mic called ‘The Shift’, is really the pulse of Lisbon right now. People come to discover new artists, share stories, and express themselves through music – experiences you just can’t get online. I’m so happy this social acoustic chamber opened earlier this year, giving us a space to play, experiment, and connect.
Badassery's acoustic chamber opening night with Roberta Ba, Shugi, and Vinicius Coutinho
◆ As an independent musician in Lisbon, what are the biggest challenges and freedoms you experience?
I feel incredibly lucky to live here. Lisbon has a very particular rhythm right now – it’s alive, inspiring, full of possibility. The biggest challenge is keeping my music practice sustainable so I can follow the projects I really care about. I love having different ways to share my music - teaching piano, writing for others, performing – that keep me inspired every day.
And the biggest freedom? The community. Lisbon’s artists and music lovers are open, supportive, and collaborative. It’s easy to find your people here - and when you do, things start happening naturally. My first steps into the Lisbon music scene were at a small sing-along piano bar called Downstairs at Betty's (sadly closed now), where I was a session pianist playing every week. Later, I met my musical family at Casa Colab, an artistic playground curated by Roya Elghanian, jammed with the Groove House community, collaborated with POR:TA, and it continues growing!
◆ What does your creative process look like when composing or preparing a new performance?
Most of my ideas start as little fragments – a tune I hum, a rhythm I tap, or a melody that comes to me while I’m walking. If I’m not at the piano, I quickly record messy voice notes on my phone so I don’t forget them. Later, I bring them to the piano and see where they take me.
Most things start with just me and the piano, but I love collaborating too. Sometimes a simple hangout at a kiosk turns into a spontaneous songwriting session. Creativity loves surprise.
◆ Which artists, genres, or personal experiences currently influence you the most?
Lately, I’m inspired by electronic music and composers who blend synthesizers with live instruments – Leifur James, Kiasmos, and Hania Rani. One of my biggest influences, though, remains soul music – particularly neo-soul: the Soulquarians collective – D’Angelo, Erykah Badu, and producer J Dilla. That music moves me to this day. But inspiration comes from everywhere: a playlist at my favorite café, a stranger humming on the street, a local musician’s concert. My ears are always collecting sounds.
Movement also inspires me. I love dancing – it helps me connect with my body, which opens me to create. One of my favorite ways to move is Gaga movement classes with Hugo Marmelada - they combine amazing soundscapes with exploration of the body.
Clube Caffeine
◆ Could you walk us through your ideal day in Lisbon, from a morning ritual to a favorite late-night plan?
If I’m not performing, my ideal day always includes the ocean! Here’s my perfect day in Lisbon: A sunny morning, grabbing coffee at Clube Caffeine, then wandering through Feira da Ladra in search of vintage treasures. I love going there on my own, following my own rhythm - that market has its own magic. Later, lunch with friends at a local tasca. A long walk by the beach in Costa da Caparica, staying there for the sunset. And at night? Live samba somewhere in the city – I love the Viva o Samba collective. Dancing with everyone, feeling that contagious happiness is the best way to end the day.
◆ What is the musical ritual you never skip to stay inspired?
I don’t have a set ritual – I just let music find me. I’m always listening, humming, noticing little sounds, and seeing where they take me.
◆ What’s your favorite local hangout in Lisbon (outside of your performance venues)?
Daytime – getting lost in the Gulbenkian gardens or reading at Miradouro de Agudo.
Nighttime – grabbing a glass of wine and catching up with friends at Vino Vero, then heading to a little musical adventure at Fábrica Braço de Prata. It’s a gem - my recent discovery is the Sarapatel session on Mondays, which I really recommend!
Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation
