Benidorm Fest has a knack for turning ambition into reality. The RTVE program provided a spotlight that helped María Bas ascend to stardom alongside her partner, producer Mark Dasousa. The couple, married for two decades, rode a wave of attention after María won top honors in the semi-finals with the song Bitch, propelling them into the national conversation.
Nebulossa’s rise is tied to a long career behind the scenes, with La Raíz establishing herself as a notable producer for acts like Zoo, La Fúmiga, and Aspencat. Yet Benidorm Fest elevated her into the foreground of Spain’s music scene. Without pursuing music as a conventional career path, she embarked on a creative journey that culminated in a final appearance that earned the right to represent Spain at Eurovision in 2020. The song aimed to strike a chord and spark conversation, challenging conventional views about language and identity while reframing a term long used to subjugate women.
“What happened is hard to explain,” says the vocalist, reflecting on the emotional surge she felt after seeing social media virality translate into juror and audience support. The duo knew the song carried potential and could be performed with confidence, yet they never anticipated such a wide response. They credited the recognition to the presence of accomplished peers like Angy, Sofia Coll, and Miss Caffeína, marveling at how the jury embraced their work.
On stage, the performance featured two dancers who joined the singer to bolster a message of feminism expressed with a mature, artful edge. Some viewers found the staging provocative, while others praised it as a bold aesthetic that challenged norms and confronted discrimination in the arts sector.
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Amid the Eurovision buzz, a debate surfaced over a rule that could sideline the song Bitch. The rule states that topics, speech, or gestures of a political nature are not permitted in the competition. The creators clarified that the song emerged without any aim of becoming an anthem; it started as a personal, autobiographical piece that they felt could resonate with many listeners. The remark from Mark Dasousa emphasized that the track belongs to everyone who connects with its sentiment.
Nebulossa’s message and the Benidorm Festival
In the midst of the Eurovision fervor, the discussion broadened to whether the song could travel beyond national borders if allowed to compete in Europe. Dasousa suggested that taking the message to a broader audience would mark social progress, while also noting that if the path is blocked, the song’s impact could only deepen. The lyric itself makes a straightforward, candid statement, and the creators argue that the art form should be inclusive, inviting listeners to interpret its meaning freely.
Dasousa explained that the language choice might complicate reception in some markets, but he noted that listeners from various countries have connected with the music regardless of language. Fans who enjoy 1980s Anglo-Saxon pop, he added, can appreciate the melodies while embracing the song’s deeper message. The music, he suggested, has a universal appeal that can bridge cultural and linguistic divides.
Late stars
From intimate singing at home to performing for a national audience, María Bas’s partner Mark Dasousa, now 55, remains eager to see her achieve her dream on a grand stage. He described his happiness at watching the project come to fruition after years of collaboration. The journey has renewed his own perspective on music, and he values the opportunity to support his partner through an important chapter in her career. He takes pride in contributing to a personal and artistic milestone that reflects their shared long-term commitment as artists and as a couple.
María’s openness about the experience is paired with gratitude for Mark’s unwavering support. She describes the project as a form of personal therapy, noting that singing a bold track such as Bitch has helped her shed insecurities and claim her voice. Mark acknowledges the initial fear about reception but is grateful for the freedom the process has offered them both.
Together, the pair has learned that musical opportunity does not hinge on age. At 47 and 55 respectively, they have found a niche that honors both their past influences and their contemporary sensibilities. They recognize doors may close with age, yet they also understand the power of persistence. The couple remains committed to creating authentic music while staying true to their artistic vision.
Benidorm Fest 2024: Nebulossa remains a favorite after Miss Caffeína surprise
As they head toward the final scheduled for February 3, the duo notes that the show’s rules limit changes to the overall format. Nevertheless, they plan to refine their performance from within, aiming to deliver a confident, engaging act that could propel them to represent Spain at the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö, Sweden. The question lingers: will the performance captivate Europe? The title Bitch receives a bold, provocative, and controversial interpretation that may challenge perceptions while inviting a broader audience to engage with the message.