Maria Severa Onofriana (1820 | 1846) was a Portuguese singer, considered the mythical founder of Lisbon fado.
Severa was a tall and graceful prostitute who sang the fado (especially in a tavern at Capelão Street). She had many lovers, Count of Vimioso being one of them, who, according to legend, was bewitched by the way she sang and played the guitar. They often went together to bullfights and were a famous couple of the Portuguese nightlife at the time.