Canadian singer Shawn Mendes has revealed he is producing his next studio album in Brazil after setting up a recording studio in the South American nation.
The 28-year-old artist shared the update in an interview with Esquire magazine published on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, confirming that work on his fifth record was officially beginning.
Mendes explained that he had been assembling a studio setup on Brazilian soil for some time and was travelling to the country to start recording sessions. He stated that Tuesday marked his first day of work on the upcoming album, adding that while he could not confirm specific details yet, he believed the project would be something very special.
The upcoming record follows his self-titled fourth album, Shawn, which was released across digital platforms in November 2024. Mendes, a Grammy-nominated pop vocalist known for global hit singles including Stitches, Treat You Better, and Senorita, has established himself as one of international pop music's top selling recording artists since emerging in 2014.
Relationship with Bruna Marquezine
His decision to create music in South America follows an extended stay in Brazil over the past year after confirming his romance with Brazilian actress Bruna Marquezine. Mendes and Marquezine, 31, were first spotted together in late 2025 when they spent the end-of-year holidays together in Brazil.
Shortly after their initial public appearances, the couple attended Carnival festivities in the city of Salvador, joining Brazilian music superstar Ivete Sangalo atop her trio eletrico parade truck. Since then, the pair have been photographed together at various locations across both Brazil and the United States.
Marquezine is one of Brazil's most prominent screen stars, having built a major acting career in high-profile Brazilian telenovelas before expanding into international Hollywood cinema with her starring role in the 2023 superhero film Blue Beetle. Salvador Carnival, held annually in the northeastern state of Bahia, is recognized as one of the largest street celebrations in the world, famous for massive sound trucks called trios eletricos that carry performing artists through crowds of partygoers.
Recording in South America
According to reports, Marquezine also regularly travels to California to visit Mendes, spending extended periods at his home in Los Angeles. Los Angeles serves as a major global hub for the music and film entertainment industries.
Mendes indicated that his time in South America has directly inspired the new material as he begins writing and tracking songs in his newly established Brazilian studio.
