Directed by Tambla Almeida “Ulime” is a poetic film of cultural identity shaped by drought.  Blimunde, an ox-person is tormented with the lack of yoke and natural resources.  As he grows desperate for a new way of life, he begins to disagree with his own isolation.

The 19-minute film was recorded in São Vicente, depicting the ongoing struggle and poverty caused by the lack of rain.

“Ulime” is the assumption of what we are, how and where we live, words of the Capeverdean poet Luis Romano to whose memory this film is dedicated.

All production of "Ulime" integrates local human and material resources.

In this second film, Tambla Almeida continues to delve on the impact of drought that began in the film-poem “Poeira I Poesia III,” (Dust I Poetry III) released in 2007.  Look for upcoming (unscheduled as of yet) screenings in the Massachusetts-Rhode Island area.

Eligible works for categories such as, best song, music video, acoustic/electronic album, breakout artist, include all those released between January 1st, 2009 and September 30th, 2010.  The idea is to recognize the excellence in the Capeverdean music, distinguishing musicians, composers, instrumentalists, and performers in honoring all cultural agents of Capeverdean music.

A specialized and independent team will select the winners in each category.  The public will be able to vote via SMS in the categories of Best Vocals Male/Female, Song of the Year and Best DJ/Entertainer

The official announcement, yet to be dated, of the nominated artists and categories will coincide with the launch of a website dedicated to Cabo Verde Music Awards (CVMA).  The awards will be presented inside the National Assembly on Santiago Island.

Gilyto will be backed by his new band--Adão Brito, Kaku Alves, Cesar Lima, Changay, Meno Pecha, Kido Semedo, Nany—and led by Kim Alves.

As part of the commemorations, Gilyto plans to re-launch his website Gilyto.com on June 26th, and release a limited collection of Made in Cabo Verde/Independence Day t-shirts, announced the singer.

Born Gil Moreira Semedo, since debuting in 1999 with “Kel Tempu,” he has worked almost nonstop to break into Cape Verde’s music spectrum.  His critically-acclaimed follow-up (2001) “Nha Atriz Principal” earned him a Gold Disc in Mozambique with over 30,000 copies sold. 

In 2005, Gilyto released “Diamante Africana,” a made for the times interactive and highly-sophisticated album pack with songs that quickly climbed the Cabo Music charts in Europe and Portuguese-Speaking Countries of Africa.  That same year, Gilyto joined chart-toppers Zéca Di Nha Reinalda, Suzanna Lubrano, and Nancy Vieira at the African Festival ZoukiZomba in his former hometown of Lisbon.  Almost immediately, he followed with “Traduson pa Tradison” (2006), a two-part album that included an entirely acoustic disc. 

Dubbed Mr. Entertainer at the start of his career due to his extraordinary stage presence and incomparable dance moves, Gilyto is now known for his distinctive mixture of Caribbean Zouk, Kizomba/Pop, sprinkled with up-tempo Funaná and Batuku. 

His accomplishments expanded recently, as three of his songs were included in the soundtrack of a film titled, “A Esperança está donde menos se espera,” (Hope is where it’s least expected). Also known for his philanthropic acts, he organizes benefit concerts (Help Cape Verde Against Dengue), and sponsors programs that favor the improvement of lives or the attainment of education for underserved populations in parts of Africa.  

An avid performer, Gilyto has participated in numerous Cape Verde music festivals and performed at the prestigious Baia Das Gatas (2009).

His most recent albums are “Live@Luxembourg,” (2008) and “Stribillin!”(2009).

On Thursday, June 24, Zé Rui will perform at Sul Restaurant in Quincy, followed by another show in Kissimmee on June 26th.  This show is sponsored by Capeverdean Consulate and Embassy whose delegation plans to meet with Kissimmee’s Capeverdean community.

He last performed at the S.O.B.s in New York City, NY, on 6/4th during a concert entitled “Cape Verde Music Meets Kompa.” He shared the stage with New York-based Haitian group Kontwol La. He will be backed by Kalu Monteiro (Drums), Djim Job (Bass), Ney Miranda (Keyboards), and Dicki Tavares (Guitar).

A prolific musician, Zé Rui released his third solo album “Nha Luz” (My light) in May 2004. He previously recorded two solo projects, “Si ke Mundu” in 1996 and “Natural” in 2001. He was formerly part of the bands “Os Pecos,” “Ice,” and “Netinhos di Vóvó,” which also included Kim Alves, Albertino, and Dicki di Anu Nobo.

Gil, who is also known as the Capeverdean king of  pop, has released albums such as Minina with Gil & The Perfect 2 (1991), Cabo Swing (1993), Doom da Doom (1995), Verdadi  (1996), Bodona (1997), Nos Lider (1999), Dedicaçon (2002), Nha Vitória (2006), and CaboPop (2008). 

The Holland-based singer has sold over 500,000 records worldwide, and set the record of albums sold (100,000 copies) in Africa after the studio release of “Nos Lider,” his best studio work to date.

A venue located on Boulevard Voltaire of Paris, France, the prestigious Bataclan has long been admired for its distinctive architectural style and an incredibly assorted nightlife selection of music, dance, theatre, etc.

Scheduled to perform are Capeverdean artists such Beto Dias, Suzanna Lubrano, Jorge Neto, and Jamm Band.

As usual, the festival will welcome a sizable contingent of international artists such UB40 (England), Paulo Flores (Angola), Calcinha Preta (Brazil) as well as Buraka Som Sistema (Portugal). Other artists are expected to join the list of performers.

Festival Baia das Gatas is Cape Verde’s largest music festival, taking place every summer during the first full moon weekend of August.  It has been estimated that more than 160.000 spectators (more than the island’s population) make the trip to São Vicente, camping out at Baia das Gatas--a large white-sanded beach for three days of nonstop music.

Singer Dulce Pontes (Portugal) is scheduled to open the festival, which begins on June 17th, followed by performances from Mundial @ Roots, which brings Gaita Ferro (Cape Verde), Taiwa Jazz Band (South Africa), Metzo Djatah (Senegal), and Wind Afrique (Ghana) to the Sugar Factory stage.  Other performers include, Staff Benda Bilili (Congo), Fatoumata Diawara (Mali), DJ MPS Pilot (Holland), Kassav’ (Martinique), Izaline Calister (Curação), and Asere (Cuba),

The weekend-long festival will conclude with a free open-air event at the Alliantie Roots Open Air with an array of international artists like, Amazigh Kateb (Algiers), Blaxter (Holland), Choc Quib Town (Colombia), rap trio Daara J (Senegal), Daniele Labbate (Italy), DJ Gusztav (Holland), Gipsy.cz (Czech Republic), Hanggai (China), Jah Depender, La Pegatina (Spain), Laryssa (Italy), Les Espoirs de Coronthie (Guinea Conakry), Pamberi Steel Orchestra (Trinidad and Tobago), Parttime Warrior, and Rootsriders.

Throughout the festival at least five films documenting Roots in Image will be shown: Africa Unity, Checkpoint Rock, Chamame, Umm Kulthum - A Voice Like Egypt, and Santo Domingo Blues, La Tos Tigueres Bacahata.

Known for the varying styles of music from all parts of the globe the Amsterdam Roots Festival is a must-attend World Music festival in the Netherlands.

The self-titled DVD, recorded live at off-corso in Rotterdam, Holland, contains 17 live tracks and five music videos, including “Tudo pa Bo,” “Nha Sonho,” and “Festa Mascarado.”
Special guests such as Candy Dulfer, Lantuna, and David Gonçalves, and Brazilian Zouk Dancers join Suzanna on stage.

The winner of Kora All African Music Award for Best African Female Artist, Suzanna recently released her latest album, “Festa Mascarado.” She previously released hit records such as “Sem Bo Nes Mund,” (1997) “Fofo,” (1999) “Tudo Pa Bo,” (2003) and “Saida” (2008).

Zé Rui will share the stage with New York-based Haitian group Kontwol La. He will be backed by Kalu Monteiro (Drums), Djim Job (Bass), Ney Miranda (Keyboards), and Dicki Tavares (Guitar).

A prolific musician, Zé Rui released his third solo album “Nha Luz” (My light) in May 2004. He previously recorded two solo projects, “Si ke Mundu” in 1996 and “Natural” in 2001. He was formerly part of the bands “Os Pecos,” “Ice,” and “Netinhos di Vóvó,” which also included Kim Alves, Albertino, and Dicki di Anu Nobo.

The six-piece band – Eduino (accordion, vocals), Bino (vocals), Adão (bass), Jorge Pimpa (drums), Manel di Tilina (percussions) and Pito (cowbell/buzio) – was recently in Ceará, Brazil, to participate in SeCulArt - Semana de Cultura, Arte Turismo do Crato (Week of Culture, Art, Tourism of Crato). 

Meanwhile, the students who have studied in the band’s founding school are taking their own show on the road.  Gaita Ferro, which is composed of musicians of ages 14 to 27, has just made the trip from Cape Verde to the Netherlands for a 30-day tour (Mundial On Tour) of various European cities.  The young group was invited by Mundial Productions through a network of United Cultures for Development, which boasts Associations in twenty countries.

Ferro Gaita, which recently released Cidade Velha, the band’s fourth studio album, fetching Funaná, Batuku, Tabanka, and Talaia Baixo, is also scheduled to perform in Martinique between July 7th and 14th, and at the prestigious Baia das Gatas in São Vicente, Cape Verde, in August.

A graduate of CODARTS (The Conservatory of Rotterdam), Carlos Matos has played alongside prominent musicians such as Luis Morais, Ildo Lobo, Tito Paris, and Bau.  This native of Rotterdam has also produced and arranged albums for artists such as Ney Machado (Mudança), Boy Gé Mendes (Sururu), Meno Pecha (Pilon Pilon), Chando Graçiosa (Dor di mundo), and many others.

For venue information and tickets please call 617-282-1998 or call Zerui De Pina at 401-390-0625. Restaurante Cesaria is located at 266 Bowdoin Street in Dorchester.

Celina Pereira, Dany Silva, Leonel Almeida, Morgadinho, and Alma de Coimbra will all perform in the Municipal Theater of São Luiz on Friday, June 11, 2010.

Bana, 77, has conquered audiences over the last few decades with hits like, Mexe Mexe, Girasol, Lua Nha Testemunha, Marimba, Lena, Cor Di Rosa, and many more.  A recipient of Medals of Merit in Cape Verde and Portugal, Bana has also previously been honored at the prestigious Baia Das Gatas music festival in São Vicente as the king of morna and coladera. 

The public’s devotion and admiration towards this pioneer of music of Cape Verde dates back to the sixties with his first work entitled Nha Terra and as founder of one of the most influential groups of traditional music at the time, Voz De Cabo Verde.

Mayra will be joined by other international artists such as Java, Ousanousava, Danyel Waro, Groove Lélé, Alex, Tumi and The volume, Kaf Malbar, Olivia Ruiz and George Clinton.

Currently promoting her sophomore record “Stória, Stória,” Mayra recently performed at year’s edition of WOMAD festival, which was held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), from April 22nd through April 24th, 2010.

Every year in August, the island of Reunion welcomes artists from around the world who perform during this inimitable music festival (Sakifo).

Cesaria was admitted to the hospital on Monday morning and had the surgery in response to a coronary problem that occurred over the weekend. The surgery started at 8:00 p.m. and ended early on Tuesday morning at 2:00 a.m.

As a result of this surgery, Cesaria is suspending all activities until the end of the year. June 2010 concerts in Washington, DC, New York City, Boston, Toronto, and Montreal have been cancelled.

The concert is part of a music and education series organized by the Pawtucket Armory Center for the Arts and Capeverdean American Community Development (C.A.C.D.), with Rhode Island State Council on the Arts, The Pawtucket Times and Alliance Blackstone Valley Credit Union as co-sponsors.    

Noah, whose self-titled debut album was released last summer, will also perform for local high school students on June 4th.  The show will be followed by a Q&A session about Capeverdean Culture with professional artists and scholars. 

Born in the U.S. from Capeverdean parents, this gifted musician began playing the guitar at age six and has played at Sound Session (Providence, R.I.), S.O.B.’s, Harlem Meer Festival (New York), and Cesaria’s Restaurant (Boston, Mass.) just to name a few. 

Doors open at 7 p.m. at the Pawtucket Armory Center for the Arts, which is located on 172 Exchange Street, Pawtucket, Rhode Island.

On Friday, May 14th, Capeverdean singer/guitarist Tito Paris and on Saturday, May 15th Portugal’s own Jorge Palma will perform at Cinema São Jorge.

Intimate Sounds is a concept in which artists, Jorge Palma and Tito Paris, will perform as if they were sitting in the room, side by side with the audience. The purpose of these shows is to present these two renowned artists in an intimate setting, while creating a unique moment of complicity between music, artists and spectators.

Born in São Vicente, Cape Verde, Tito Paris has been living in Lisbon since 1982. He has released several hit albums, including “Fidjo Maguado,” (1997), “Dança Mi Criola,” (1994) “Graça de Tchega,” (1996) and “Acústico” (2007).

Jorge Palma is a native of Lisbon who learned to play the piano at the age of 6. He had his first audition at Portugal’s National Music Conservatory when he was just 8 years-old. His last single, “Tudo Por Um Beijo” released in 2009, was part of the soundtrack of the movie “A Bela e o Paparazzo” directed by António Pedro Vasconcelos.

Praça Nova is an agency whose main objective is to promote, bring together music references, personalities to the public while raising awareness of the culture of all Portuguese-Speaking countries.

The album series, which was recorded in tribute of Ribeira Grande of Santiago (the founding city of Cape Verde also known as Cidade Velha) honors the first 550 years of Cape Verde’s history and is now being introduced to audiences throughout the U.S.

In the upcoming weeks the band is scheduled to perform at Tamboo, Brockton, Mass. (April 29th), Capeverdean American Community Development (CACD), Pawtucket, R.I. (April 30th), Sunset Restaurant, Cambridge, Mass. (May 1st), MiSavi, Newark, N.J. (May 6th), Gospel Uptown, New York City (May 8th), and Kriola Café, Waterbury, Conn. (May 9th).  Also in May, they will head to California for performances in San Diego (May 15th), Los Angeles (May 16th), San Francisco (May 22nd), and Sacramento (May 23rd).

The duo expects to announce additional tour dates and plan to perform in Cape Verde, Angola, Mozambique, South Africa, Portugal, France, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Guadeloupe, Martinique, French Guiana, St. Kits and Nevis, etc.

Mendes Brothers previously released hit albums such as “Palonkon” in 1993, “Bandera,” in 1995, “Torre di Control,” in 1996, “Para Angola com Xi Coração” in 1997, “Satélite Zamby” in 1999, and “Kabu Verdi” in 2005.

The singer-songwriter, who recently made the move from Portugal to reside in Cape Verde is also on the lineup for festivals of Nhú São Filipe, Fogo, Cape Verde (April 28th), Queima das Fitas, Coimbra, Portugal (May 7th), and Assomada, Santiago, Cape Verde (May 15th).

The elements in his new Cape Verde-based band are, Kim Alves (Keyboard), Adão Brito (Bass), Jorge Pimpa (Drums), Kaku Alves, Cesar Lima, Lulan (Guitar), Meno Pecha, Nani (Chorus), Mário Russo (Sound), Zito Sequeira (Road Manager), and Gilyto’s borther Kido Semedo who recently released “Na nha paz.”

Still touring in support of his most recent album“Stribillin!,” Gilyto is in the midst of recording two music videos for the songs “Sta Na Moda” and “Nha Erro.”

Gilyto’s previously released albums include, “Kel Tempu” (1999), “Nha Atriz Principal” (2001), “Diamante Africana” (2005), “Traduson pa Tradison” (2006), and “Live@Luxembourg” (2008).

The song, which will be included in Marco’s upcoming album for release later this year, will be available on iTunes (U.S., Mexico, Canada, Australia, UK/European Union, and Japan), IMVU, Rhapsody, MySpace Music, Zune, Amazon MP3, Napster, Lala, Shockhound, LimeWire Store, Nokia, and eMusic.

“On the album I have featured artists such as Outlawz, which is the group of 2Pac, The A-Alikes (New York), Umi (New York), African Soulja (Germany) and the Idol winner from Morocco Mona Roukachi,” says Marco, who intends to put out a mix-tape by mid-June prior to the album release.

A 2002 winner of an MC freestyle battle competition in Norway, Marco or RAW, as he likes to be called, has spent the last decade spreading a message of peace, love and respect through his music. At least two of his music videos have aired on MTV, Voice, NRK Svisj, Tempo, and Channel-0 in Africa.   His track “O.D.98” has appeared on the compilation CD “Let me be heard” (New York, 2008). 

Born in Oslo, Norway from Capeverdean parents, Marco, who renamed himself RAW (Righteous African Warrior) is currently promoting his own clothing brand (RASTATHUG) through cafepress.com/jahraw.

Mayra will be featured on an upcoming movie/documentary directed by French reporter Pascal M Blanchard. This movie is part of the network’s initiative to establish a weekly rendezvous with the French culture within this daily program, which is broadcast live from 9:10 p.m. to 10:40 p.m.

Mayra, who is currently on a promotional tour in support of her sophomore record “Stória, Stória” produced by Brazilian icon Alê Siqueira, is Capeverdean but has been living in France for the majority of her young life.

TV Cultura, found in 1960 and headquartered in Sao Paulo, represents 5% of average audience of 180 million viewers. It focuses on cultural subjects but also has sports as entertainment options.

The duo will perform at Restaurante Cantinho in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, on Friday, March 19th, followed by another show at the Capeverdean Social Club in Waterbury, Connecticut, on Saturday, March 20th.

On Sunday, March 21st, they will share the stage at Restaurante Cesaria in Dorchester, MA. The doors will open at 6 p.m. and the show will begin at 7:30 p.m.

Bau and Voginha, formerly of Mindel Band with whom they released “Mindelo,” last performed with singer Fantcha at Joe’s Pub in New York City on Saturday, March 13th. 
Bau has also produced music for Cape Verde’s top singers, including Dudu Araujo, Tito Paris, and Cesaria Evora. As a solo artist, he released “Top D'Coroa,” “Jailza,” “Inspiraçao,” “Blimundo,” “Silencio,” the compilation “Capeverdean Melancholy,” and “Ilha Azul.”

Voginha released “Felicidade” in 2001. He produced albums for singers Herminia (1995) and Maria Alice (2000) and Jorge Humberto (2001).

The two musicians, John and Ramiro Mendes, are in the midst of completing these albums in honor of the first 550 years of Cape Verde’s history.  “The Gate of Return” is part of a series of albums recorded in tribute of the founding city of that archipelago of Cape Verde -- Ribeira Grande de Santiago (also known as Cidade Velha), which recently became recognized as a Patrimony of Humanity by UNESCO. 

Armed with a collection of songs (written/composed/produced by the duo) such as, Porton de Regresso, Cabo Verde País Museu, Mãe Querida Cabo Verde, Codé de Djarfogo, Hora de Bandera, Deusa de Orion, Bó É, Dia de Regresso and Cabrito Manso, the Mendes Brothers intend to celebrate the history and the culture of Cape Verde, and the victorious journey of its people, narrating the crucial role of the archipelago as the first European settlement in the tropics.

A portion of the albums’ proceeds will go to the Mendes Brothers-founded nonprofit Music & Life Foundation, which is dedicated to utilizing the power of music to change the quality of life throughout the globe.

They previously released hit albums such as “Palonkon” in 1993, “Bandera,” in 1995, “Torre di Control,” in 1996, “Para Angola com Xi Coração” in 1997, “Satélite Zamby” in 1999, and “Kabu Verdi” in 2005.

The municipality, which began feeling the first whiffs of its 16th anniversary festivities earlier this month, will host a lineup of performers from varying parts of the island.  The bands (in order of appearance) scheduled to take the stage beginning at 4pm on Saturday, March 13, are Bem Ku Deus, Novo Sonho, Boa Vontade, Nova Alegria, Codjeta, Rapaz 100 Juiz, Xibioti & Zeca Fontes, Projecto Verão, and Jorge Neto. 

Performances on the following day (March 14) are scheduled to start earlier (1pm), with Rumo Novo, Boa Esperança, Tchabeta de Amizade, Irmãos Unidos, Sem Fastiu, Djunta Mo, Rabenta, Ferro Gaita, and Beto Dias as headliners.

The newly reunited and legendary band will perform at Restaurante Cesaria in Boston, MA, on Friday, March 12th and Saturday, March 13th, 2010.

Cabo Verde Show-- Boy Gé Mendes, Manu Lima and Rene Cabral—are currently promoting the band’s long-anticipated album, “Cabo Verde Show 2008,” which is their first effort together in thirty years.

One of the most successful Capeverdean groups to surface in the late 1970s, Cabo Verde Show is known for its unique sound drawn deeply on African, Rock & Roll, Pop and Reggae influences. The band, led by Manu Lima who became the grand architect of Afro-Zouk, rose to stardom by releasing a string of successful albums, including “Recordo Penssa,” “Caminho de Esperança Coladance,” or “Beijo Cu Jetu,” and hit songs like “Teteya,” “Milena,” “Bo ca Sabe,” and “Casa ma um Criola” etc…

Recorded in July and August 2009 in his native Sao Vicente, “Ar De Nha Terra” brings back Jorge Humberto’s eccentric but unique musical thoughts and instinctive delivery. Jorge Humberto will officially introduce “Ar De Nha Terra” during a show at the New Morning in Paris, France, on April 9th.

Known as the poet of his native Mindelo (Cape Verde), Jorge Humberto, who is notorious for the use of metaphors and profound thinking, has released albums such as “Guenta” in 1992, “Mόiabo um Consolá,” in 1995, “Portexperimental” in 1998 and finally “Identidade” (Identity) in December 2004.

Jorge Humberto also provided many hit songs to singers such as Ana Firmino, Biús, Maria Alice, and Dudu Araujo.

On Friday, April 16th, 2010 she will perform at Centro Congressos das Caldas da Rainha, followed by Cine-Teatro da Avenida-Castelo Branco (April 17th) and Museu do Oriente (April 20th).

Carmen, whose sound has been dubbed World Soul Music for the 21st Century, will also present a series of concerts at Showcases FNACs throughout Portugal.  She is scheduled to perform in FNAC Colombo, Lisbon, 04/18, at FNAC Chiado in Lisbon, 04/23, FNAC Cascais, 04/24, and FNAC Almada, 04/25.

In her new album, the singer brings back her unique blend of African/Capeverdean and Contemporary Jazz.  She previously released “Ess Ȇ Nha Cabo Verde” (“This is My Cape Verde”/2005) and “Verdade” (“Truth”/2008).

Herminia, a native of the island of Sao Vicente, passed away on February 7th, 2010. She was buried on the island of Sal.

Dubbed the Other Great Lady of Cape Verde by the French media, Herminia recorded two albums, “Coraçon Leve,” produced and arranged by composer Vasco Martins, and most recently “Hermínia do Sal.”

More artists will be added to the lineup of this event, which is held annually during the entire last week of April as most of the islanders and tourists parade with drums, sing in chorus and step to popular dance on the streets of Fogo.  Soccer matches, bicycle, boat and horse races are just some of the other activities usually engaged in during the festivities leading up to the day of the actual celebration on May 1st. 

Nhu São Filipe commemorations culminate in a mega-concert by renowned national and international artists, as well as a special luncheon made up of traditional dishes of the island as a gastronomical show of sorts, and of course, fireworks. 

Over the last few years these festivities have also proved to be an opportunity for financial institutions and immigrant business owners to meet and explore potential areas of investment.

The album, which is slated to debut in Portugal next month (03/29) and expected to hit U.S. stores in June, was officially released on February 5th, 2010 in Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg.
 
Carmen is now currently promoting her latest work throughout the Benelux countries and various other parts of Europe.  Some of her scheduled stage performances include the Jazz International in the Netherlands (03/04), Paris’ Festival Femmes du Monde (05/21), Luminato Festival (06/19), London’s World Music for World Poverty (06/26), and the City of London Festival (07/09), just to name a few.

The singer earns co-writing and co-production credits on the album and brings back her unique blend of African/Capeverdean and Contemporary Jazz.  She previously released “Ess Ȇ Nha Cabo Verde” (“This is My Cape Verde”/2005) and “Verdade” (“Truth”/2008).

An array of yet to be unveiled artists from countries sharing similar musical influences will convene in the city of Praia on Friday, April 9th and Saturday, April 10th , 2010. 

In an attempt to promote Kriol-inspired jazz of varying islands throughout the globe, such as Antilles, Caribbean, Madagascar, Reunion, and others, Cape Verde-based Music Label Harmonia Lda and the city of Praia partnered in 2009 to put together the Kriol Jazz Festival.

The lineup at the first edition included reputable musicians such as, Tchéka, Meddy Gerville, Ba Cissoko, Mário Lucio, Lenine, Mario Cannonge & Ralph Thamar, Baú, Voginha, Regis Gisavo, and Jorge Reyes. promoting jazz inspired by Kriol of various islands throughout the world, like the Antilles, Caribbean, Madagascar, Reunion Island, Cape Verde, as well as Brazil.

On February 10th, 2010, Mayra is scheduled to perform at Theater an Der Ruhr in Mulheim, Germany, followed by shows at Cankarjev Dom in Ljubljana, Slovenia, on 2/22nd, at Théâtre in Ajaccio, France, on 2/24th, and at Centro Cultural Olga Cadaval in Sintra, Portugal, on 2/27th.

Officially released in June 2009, “Stória, Stória” has yielded tremendous praise and commercial success. Produced by Grammy Award Winner (Latin) Alê Siqueira, who has worked with Chico César, Caetano Veloso, Bebel Gilberto and Tribalistas as well as producing albums for musicians from other countries, including Roberto Fonseca and Cheikh Lô, “Storia, Storia” was recorded in Brazil, Cuba, and France.

Mayra debuted with “Navega” (Upon the Waves) in May 2007, which was named one of the top albums of the year in the London Times and reached Gold Record status in Portugal. Mayra has also received the prestigious Preis der Deutschen Schallplattenkritik (German Record Critics Award) as well as BBC Radio 3 World Music Awards in the category of Best Newcomer.

Dubbed “The Meeting of Great Voices of the World in Paris,” the festival promises to bring top-notch artists from varying parts of the globe to the prestigious L’Alhambra.  Lura will replace singer-songwriter Sara Tavares, who was originally scheduled to represent Cape Verde with a performance on Feb. 5th.

Also scheduled to take the stage are Blick Bassy (Cameroon), Bonga (Angola) on Feb. 3rd, Deolinda (Portugal), Giorgos Xylouris (Crete, Greece), Yasmin Levy (Israel) on Feb. 6th, Madagascar All Stars (Madagascar), David Sicard (La Reunion) on Feb. 11th, Vicente Pradal, Esperanza Fernandez (Spain) on Feb. 12th, La Chicaga, Noche Tango (Argentine) on Feb 13th.

Au Fils de Voix seeks to feature remarkable artists of the previous year for the high-quality of their new repertoires, and who meet the standards of artistic particularity, contemporary innovation and creation.

Her newly released “Morabeza,” produced by Djim Job, Kalu Monteiro and Danny Luchansky, was recently nominated for a NAACP Image Award in the category of Outstanding World Music Album. The NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) Image Awards, which was founded in 1909, will air live on Fox on Friday, February 26th, 2010 at 8 p.m.

Maria will be accompanied by her five piece band--Kalu Monteiro (Drums), Djim Job (Bass), Zérui Depina (ukulele), Sandro Rebel (Keyboards), and Fabio Soares (Guitar).
Born in Senegal from Capeverdean parents, Maria previously released hit albums such as “Nha Mundo” (My World, 2003) and “Dança ma mim” (Dance with me, 2005).  She received the Miriam Makeba Award for Excellence in Music in 2006 and the Cultural Certificate of Merit awarded by the Ministry of Culture in Cape Verde in 2008.

Dubbed “The meeting of great voices of the world in Paris,” the festival promises to bring top-notch artists from varying parts of the globe to the prestigious L’Alhambra.

Scheduled to perform are Blick Bassy (Cameroon), Bonga (Angola) on Feb. 3rd, Deolinda (Portugal), Sara Tavares (Cape Verde) on Feb. 5th, Giorgos Xylouris (Crete, Greece), Yasmin Levy (Israel) on Feb. 6th, Madagascar All Stars (Madagascar), David Sicard (La Reunion) on Feb. 11th, Vicente Pradal, Esperanza Fernandez (Spain) on Feb. 12th, La Chicaga, Noche Tango (Argentine) on Feb 13th.

Au Fils de Voix seeks to feature remarkable artists of the previous year for the high-quality of their new repertoires, and who meet the standards of artistic particularity, contemporary innovation and creation.

Update:  Vadú's body was found on the morning of January 16th, he was buried the following day.  The musician would have turned 33 on January 30, 2010.

Born Osvaldo Arménio Dias Furtado on the island of Santiago, Cape Verde, Vadú is perhaps best known for his compelling songwriting and unwavering dedication to the revitalization of Batuku.  As a former apprentice of the late legendary musician Orlando Pantera, Vadú had become part of a cluster of new artists called “generation Pantera,” highly influenced by the Batuku movement and other traditional sounds of the island of Santiago.
 
His debut studio album Batuku was released in 2001, the same year his mentor Orlando Pantera succumbed to pancreatitis.  Two years later he joined other young musicians Dany, Princezito, and Tchéka to start the “Pantera Generation” and release the compilation “Ayan” (Yes), an album highly influenced by traditional Pantera compositions. 

Vadú’s undeniable talent later led him to release Nha Raiz (2005), one of his most significant recordings to date, which counted with the participation of Cláudio Andrade (from the band of renowned singer Gilberto Gil) who lent his keyboard skills on five tracks.  The album helped further lead the way for the new generation of musicians while putting great emphasis on the traditional genres of Santiago.

He was also a featured musician during summer 2007’s “La Semaine Du Cap-Vert (The Week of Cape Verde) at Place saint Germain de Prés (Paris, France) as part of a lineup that included Ferro Gaita, Gil Semedo, Lura, Mayra Andrade, Raiz di Polon, Teófilo Chantre, Tito Paris, Mário Lúcio, Guépard (Zé di Varzea), Lela Violão, and Martin Schaeffer.

Barely six months later, Vadú, would go on to introduce his second studio album, “Dixi Rubera,” inside Tabanka Mar in Praia, Cape Verde.  “With all the difficulties that go into recording, this was a truly courageous move.  I feel like I just won another war,” he told Sodade then on location.

With the newer intimate project, Vadú sought to create a fusion of styles far more personal lyrically.  Directed by the coveted Hernani Almeida, the album earned distribution from AV Productions and soon took Vadú on a promotional tour of the U.S.  “Vadú is different in terms of timber, text, and lyrics, his story is a different story, his voice is particular and his lyrics are much simpler than the others (artists),” Hernani told Sodade in 2007.
 
And so his career always seemed on the verge of a turning point.  In the spring of 2009 he was featured on some of Portugal’s prestigious television stations broadcast internationally in many parts of the world, such as RDP África, RTP África (Radio & Television Portugal), SIC, and TVI.

Backed by a five-piece band—Jair (percussions), Lúcio (bass), Rolando (guitar), Moisés (keyboard) and Mirocas Paris (drums), the singer went on to perform at Fnac, Almada, FNAC Vasco da Gama and OndaJazz, Casa da Morna, Lisbon (sponsored by Tito Paris), FNAC Cascais, FNAC Alfragiade, FNAC Chiado, and FNAC Colombo.

Despite his growing success, Vadú remained humbly ecstatic about the opportunities to perform on both small venues throughout the archipelago and larger stages around the globe.

Said Vadú:  “All stages are the same to me, they bring me happiness.  Singing is a way for me to forget life’s worries, it’s like therapy.”

Prior to his accident, he had been scheduled to perform during Santo-Antão’s municipal festivities on Friday, January 15, 2010.

Before she became the absolute “Queen of World Music,” Cesaria, the cigarette puffing and whisky drinking grandmother, had gone through a lengthy and grueling spell, singing in Mindelo’s ramshackle bars where she used to sing in exchange of nips of whisky.  Before the end of 1980s, Cesaria had come to the attention of José da Silva, a Capeverdean producer, who signed her up and brought her to Paris, France, where she reached immediate success. She was 47 years-old.

Throughout the 1990s, Cesaria built an exceptional career, earning innumerable Awards and even drawing comparisons to Billie Holiday, Edith Piaf, Bessie Smith, and Celia Cruz. She was appointed ambassador to the United Nations, and most importantly, she was finally shown great admiration in the United States, where after the release of “Cesaria” (1995), the New York Times, The Boston Globe, and the Philadelphia Inquired acclaimed her “The Best of the Year.”

If Cesaria exploded in the 1990s, she definitely contributed to her coronation in the 2000s. The barefoot diva proved her star has no chance of waning after she made history by becoming the first Capeverdean artist to win the prestigious Grammy Awards: On February 8th, 2004, “Voz D’Amor,” (Voice of Love) won the Grammy for Best Contemporary World Music Album, a category in which included Brazilian singer Caetano Veloso and Senegalese Superstar Youssou N’Dour.

Regardless of her international superstardom, Cesaria has yet to fall into monotony. As a singer, she continues to grow and surprise, releasing hit records and taking on appealing humanitarian projects such as UNICEF’s Children's Creativity Festival in Uzbekistan and “Ensemble, Nous djunta Mô,” (Together, let’s lend a hand) to benefit Capeverdean children.

At an age where many would consider retirement, Cesaria remains lusciously down-to-earth and appears to find more joy performing around the world and spending time at home in Mindelo than getting any kinds of accolades. This is typical of Cesaria and that’s why she is our Capeverdean artist of the decade.

Here are some of her accomplishments during the 2000s:

• -Les Victoires De La Musique (France’s answer to the Grammy) for Best Album in the category of Reggae/Ragga/world music (2004)
• Voz d’Amor” was the recipient of a Gold record in France (2004).
• Awarded the insignia of the Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters by the French Minister of Culture (2004).
• Three Gold Records in Poland for “Best Of,” “Café Atlantico” and “Voz de Amor” (2005).
• “Voz d’Amor” was awarded a platinum record by Media Nova Entertainment for its exceptional sale during a ceremony in Romania (2006).
• The songs “Sodade” and “Fruto proibido” are used for the soundtrack of Italian movie “La Meglio Gioventu.'” (2003).
• Elevated to the rank of Chevalier (L'ordre National de la Légion d'honneur) by former French President Jacques Chirac.
• Honored with the Légion d'Honneur (Legion of Honor) insignia by the French Minister of Culture Christine Albanel Jacques Chirac
• “Rogamar” (Pray to the sea) was the recipient of a Gold Record in France (2007).
• Cesaria was part of ESSENCE magazine’s The Beautiful Ones: 35 of the Most Remarkable Women in the World, alongside Halle Berry, Alicia Keys, Beyoncé Knowles, Rita Dove, Queen Latifah, Cynthia Ann McKinney, and Serena Williams among others (2005.

The singer’s third studio release, “Morabeza” (Sheer Group South African Label) will compete against Rodrigo y Gabriela’s “11:11” (ATO Records/Red), Sila and the Afrofunk Experience’s “Black President” (Visila Records), Zap Mama’s “ReCreation” (Heads Up International/Concord Music Group), and Oumou Sangare’s “Seya” (Nonesuch/World Circuit).

Produced by Djim Job, Kalu Monteiro and Danny Luchansky, “Morabeza” features songs, like Nos Paraiso, Mundo Malvado, Funaná ca tem frontera, Nha Vazio, Cabinda a Cunene, Fragilamor, Amanha, Reggadera, Djam Crebu Ma N’ Ca Ta Frabu, No Continua, and Tabanka di Txada Grandi. 

In 2009, Maria, who performed in Guadeloupe’s Festival Des Voix Sacrées (Baie Mahault), Germany’s Afrika Kulturtage, Austria’s Kasumama Festival, and Montreal’s Kola Note, just to name a few, was one of the Capeverdean women mentioned in a Stereophile Magazine article entitled “Divas of the Diaspora: The Spectacular New Wave of Capeverdean singers,” (03/2009), which focused on the archipelago’s rising young vocalists.

Born in Senegal from Capeverdean parents, Maria previously released the albums “Nha Mundo” (My World, 2003) and “Dança ma mim” (Dance with me, 2005).  Her repertoire is an arsenal of songs of varying styles, ranging from melancholic Morna, to upbeat Funaná and lush Latin melodies.

The NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) Image Awards, which was founded in 1909, is the U.S.’ premier event celebrating the outstanding achievements and performances of people of color in the arts, including motion picture, television, recording, and literature, as well as those individuals or groups who promote social justice through their creative endeavors.

The NAACP awards show will air live on Friday, February 26th, 2010 at 8 p.m. on Fox.

According to sources close to Sodadeonline.com, Codé di Dona was taken to the hospital on Monday after feeling ill the day before. He spent the night in the hospital and finally died on Tuesday.

“He revolutionized funana the same way Eugenio Tavares and B.Leza revolutionized morna. His music is full of relevance, has a different structure with a much slower tempo but with balance. He is a reference,” says former member of Finaçon, Dicki Tavares, also the son of the late Ano Novo.

“I used to hear people play different instruments but the day I heard the accordion, I immediately liked it. I then heard about a woman, who had just arrived from Sao Tome and Principe. She had brought one for her son. Because I did not have any money to buy it, I exchanged it for a drum of maize,” Codé di Dona told Sodade during an interview in February 2007.

He went on to become the uncontested king of Funana, bringing the spirit of Badiu culture and funana tradition to life, and describing--with his cracked voice and highly metaphoric lyrical style-- the hardships of daily life.

Codé di Dona penned hit songs such as Fomi 47, Febri Funana, Sodadi San Francisco, and Nha Rufan Barela among others. He recorded two albums, his self-titled in 1993, also re-released in 1997, and “Djan-Bai” in 2001. The original creator of funana died at the age of 70.

And the Grammy goes to…

In 2004, one of the world’s most coveted music award shows honored Cape Verde’s very own Barefoot Diva, Cesaria Evora.  Her album Voz d’Amor took home the award for Best Contemporary World Music Album after being a runner-up during five previous nominations.  The same disc won Cesaria the award for France’s Les Victoires de la Musique’s Best World Music album, and was also nominated for a BBC Radio 3 Award.

Awards, Awards!

Cesaria may have received the Grammy but there were always plenty of awards to go around.  In 2005, Tchéka won the Radio France International award for his album Argui.  And after the release of Di Korpu Ku Alma, Lura received the Les Victoires de la Musique award for Best World Music album, also becoming the only artist to receive two nominations for the 5th Edition of BBC Radio 3 Awards for World Music, in the categories of Best African Artist and Best Newcomer.  Singer Mayra Andrade later won the prestigious German Record Critics’ Award (Preis der deutschen Schallplattenkritik/2007) as well as the BBC Radio 3 award for Best Newcomer (2008). Suzanna Lubrano became the toast of Africa during the 2003’s edition of Kora All African Music Awards by winning Best African Female Artist and Best Video.

A Master’s Return

For years this music genius chose to remain secluded from the public eye.  Guitarist-composer Paulino Vieira, who played an important role in the launch of Cesaria’s career, is the man behind great compositions, such as M’Cria ser Poeta and Nha Primeiro Lar.  For much of the 2000s he stayed under the radar, but always lending his gift to other artists such as Dulce Matias and Lura.  In 2007 he returned to the spotlight with an unforgettable performance on Cape Verde’s largest stage, the Baia das Gatas Festival.  Since then he has continued to give audiences the honor of experiencing his live concerts.

Star-Studded Extravaganza

On April 22, 2005, some of the biggest names in Capeverdean music gathered at Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington D.C. for a unique concert.  Lura, Nancy Vieira, Suzanna Lubrano, Maria de Barros, Mayra Andrade, Celina Pereira, Zéca di Nha Reinalda, Ferro Gaita, and Bana all gave extraordinary performances in front of a crowd that also included the President of the Republic of Cape Verde, Pedro Verona Pires. The concert was organized by The Friends of the Republic of Cabo Verde, Inc. (FORCV), in partnership with the Capeverdean Embassy in D.C. 

The Pregame

It was barely two years ago when Grammy Award Winner Louie Vega performed with his Elements of Life Orchestra featuring Capeverdean vocalist Anané during the Super Bowl XLI Pregame show at Dolphin Stadium in South Florida.  They were joined by 60 professional performers and hundreds of other participants, including Cirque du Soleil and Miami-based artist Romero Britto during a Brazilian street theater inspired show that resulted in a high-energy extravaganza of music, dance, gymnastics and circus arts linked by a multi-colored football theme.  All this just before Indianapolis Colts and Chicago Bears were to face each other on February 4^th, 2007.

New York, New York

There’s that saying, “If you can make it in New York, you can make it anywhere.”  Recently Capeverdean artists have performed in the greatest cosmopolitan city in North America.  Among those who found their ways into the stages of the Big Apple, were Mayra Andrade, Lura, Sara Tavares, Tchéka, Maria de Barros, Ferro Gaita, and newcomer Ilo Ferreira.

Show Time

The 2000s brought on plenty of exposure for Cape Verde’s unique culture to pop watchers everywhere.  In 2009 Mariana Ramos was featured in the prestigious French radio RFI (Radio France International) during the program En sol Majeur.  She also appeared in France’s premier television Canal +, on the program La Matinale, Le Son du Jour, on LCI’s Culturellement Show Agenda, France Inter’s Le Fou du Roi, Tropiques FM’s Tropical Show, France Ô’s Les Nuits du Triton, and Direct 8’s Tous les Goûts dans la Culture.  Meanwhile in the United States, singer-songwriter Ilo Ferreira made an appearance on an episode of NBC’s Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, which aired on November 23rd and December 31st, 2009.  

Soundtracks

In April of 2003 a song from Fantcha's album Criolinha was featured in the 114th episode of The L Word - a Showtime television hit show about a group of young women in Los Angeles, their lives, careers, and romantic relationships. The song, Sol ja Camba was part of the soundtrack entitled “The L WORD Soundtrack- Season 1.”  Five years later Maria de Barros also found her voice into a hit show, when her song Reggadera was featured in an episode of HBO’s Entourage.  

On the Record

Between award nominations, captivating performances and phenomenal studio releases, the decade certainly had a lot to offer.  But what satisfied our insatiable thirst for our revered musicians were the books that dared to explore their lives and the music of the archipelago.  Such were the case of, “Kab Verd Band” by Carlos Gonçalves, “B. Leza, notebooks of a troubadour” (by Veladimir Romano), “Ildo Lobo – A Voz Crioula” (by Yara dos Santos), “O Tempo de B. Leza” (by Glaúcia Nogueira), “Cabo Verde Terra di Meu” (by Firmino Cachada), and “Bana: Uma Vida a Cantar Cabo Verde (by Raquel Ochoa).

Lasting Influences

And finally, the loss of many of our great musicians over this past decade is not lost on us.  Orlando Pantera (2001), Luis Morais (2002), Ano Nobo, Ildo Lobo (2004), Fernando Quejas, Paul Pena (2005), Biús, and Manel D’Novas (2009) all strove to bring Cape Verde’s music and culture to the highest levels of quality and exposure.  Although their lives were cut short, their influences always remain.   Whether in the sounds of batuku or (jazzy) morna, the high notes of Tó Martins or the melancholy of Biografia d’um Criol, or even in the spirit of Boas Festas, some things do last, and the influence of great artists from such a small country is one of them.

A Miraculous comeback

“On December 22nd, the official opening day, we will receive one of TACV's Boeings, which will fly from Praia to São Vicente and then from São Vicente to Fortaleza [Brazil]. The inaugural flight is expected to take place at approximately 3:00 pm. At 4:00 pm, the aircraft will take off for Fortaleza with passengers from São Vicente,” CEO of airport and air security (ASA) Mário Paixão announced.

Along with São Vicente Mayor Isaura Gomes, the Minister of Infrastructures, Transportation and Telecommunication Manuel Inocêncio Sousa, and Prime Minister José Maria Neves, he will speak at the opening ceremony, which will be followed by a guided tour of the airport and a concert.

The singers will be fully accompanied on stage; the Barefoot Diva with her band and Portugal-based musician Tito Paris with the Lisbon Orchestra.

The lineup includes performers such as, Ana Firmino, Andre Cabaço, Calú Moreira, Dany Silva, Guto Pires, Maria Alice, Nancy Vieira, Rita Lobo, and Rui Cruz.

Originally housed inside Palácio Almada Carvalhais (1995-2007) B. Leza once took the place of previously well-known discotheques like “Noites Longas” and “Baile,” transforming into one of Lisbon’s favorite hotspots for live African music, theater, film, photography, and art exhibits. 

A documentary of the same title outlining the venue’s cultural significance in the multi-cultural nights of Lisbon was produced by Rui Lopes da Silva and Victor Pires in 2005.    Two years later, after a much-protested closing, the “B. Leza Itinerary” was launched in hopes of maintaining the tradition of live Capeverdean music nights in Lisbon at alternative venues like the Cabaret-Maxime.

Scheduled to step on stage inside the University of Lisbon are, Bana, Camané, Dany Silva, Filipa Pais, Leonel de Almeida, Lura, Nancy Vieira, Titina, Tito Paris, and Vitorino.

An initiative from the Capeverdean Medical Organization, the event seeks to raise funds that will go directly to invest in Cape Verde’s treatment and prevention of Dengue fever outbreak, which is spread by mosquitoes and has plagued the islands since October.

Cape Verde has since enlisted and received support from Doctors Without Borders, AMI, World Health Organization, etc.

Rounding out the the top ten list in this category were Mulatu Astatke & the Heliocentrics with “Inspiration/Information” (Strut), Kronos Quartet’s “Floodplain” (Nonesuch), Portuguese band Deolinda with “Canção ao Lado” (World Connection), Radiokijada’s “Nuevos Sonidos Afro Peruanos” (Wrasse), Griselda Sanderson’s “Harpaphonics” (Walk), Brazilian singer Céu with “Vagarosa” (Six Degrees), Paolo Conte “Psiche” (Wrasse), Yasmin Levy with “Sentir” (World Village), and Angolan musician Bonga with “Bairro” (Lusafrica).

Released in the spring of ’09, “Eclipse” showcases Lura’s maturity and stunning vocal range in a dance between Capeverdean and global rhythms that have influenced her.  The album features compositions from Mário Lucio, Orlando Pantera, Teófilo Chantre, Toy Vieira, Rene Cabral, and Valdemiro “Vlú” Ferreira, with songs such as Libramor, Marinhêro, Quebród Nem Djosa, Na Nha Rubera, Orfelino, and Sukundida,

Chosen by critics, the top ten in World Music is part of London Times’ 100 top albums of 2009, also rating the best in pop, rock, and classical.

During this show, Ferro Gaita will intoduce its latest record, “Cidade Velha,” and will re-release its first studio record, “Fundu Baxu,” which was originally released in 1997.  The band will also present “Sentimento,” a debut CD/DVD from the band Gaita Ferro, which is produced by Eduino.

Also scheduled to step on stage during the evening are artists such as Jay, Chandinho Dédé, Meno Pecha, Zé di Pinton, Felix Lopes, Ló as well as a fashion show from New Look Models.

Early this year, the band embarked on a promotional tour, which took them from Cape Verde to France, Netherlands, Norway, Macau, Portugal, and most recently the United States.

Founded in 1996, Ferro Gaita previously released records such as “Rei di Tabanka” (1999), “Rei di Funaná,” (2001), “Bandera Liberdade” (2003), “Finkadu na Raiz” (2006), and most recently “Cidade Velha.”

The DVD boasts collaborations from an internationally-assorted band that includes, Walter Matos (Drums), Francelino Silva (Bass), Rignald Kastaneer (Bass), Udo Demandt (Percussion), Nils Fischer (Percussion), Antonio Herculano (Acoustic Guitar/Ukulele), Bart Platteau (Flute/EWI), and Nhela Santos (Soprano sax).  

Capeverdean singer Chando Graçiosa (Vocals) appears as a special guest with all production and arrangement credits going to Carlos Matos (Piano/Keyboards).

“Caboverdianismo LIVE” was recorded in the historic Schiecentrale in Rotterdam, Holland, and features new tracks as well as an interview with the pianist detailing his musical journey thus far.

A graduate of CODARTS (The Conservatory of Rotterdam), Carlos Matos has played alongside prominent musicians such as Luis Morais, Ildo Lobo, Tito Paris, and Bau.  This native of Rotterdam has also produced and arranged albums for artists such as Ney Machado (Mudança), Boy Gé Mendes (Sururu), Meno Pecha (Pilon Pilon), Chando Graçiosa (Dor di mundo), and many others.

Carmen, who has been touring Europe extensively since the release of “Verdade” (Truth) – her second full-length album (Connecting Cultures, 2008), will be backed by her four-piece band: Theo Pas'cal (Bass/Double Bass), Orlanda Guilande (Back vocals/Percussion), Jonathan Idiagbonya (Piano), and Dado Pasqualini (Percussion).

In 2010, Carmen expects to take her acoustic guitar and band to various venues throughout the European continent, such as the Netherlands (Feb. 27), Germany (Feb. 28), France (May 21), and back to the City of London Festival (July 9), just to name a few.

A native of Lisbon, Portugal, Carmen is known for an artistic freshness based primarily on superb, feathery vocals and a unique blend of Cape Verde/Jazz/Fusion, mixing in Afro-beat, Morna, Batuku, Sanjon, and blues.   

Friday’s show is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m.; St. Ethelburga's Centre is located on 78 Bishopsgate, London.

The singer-songwriter-guitarist will be backed by Johnny Duke (Guitar), John Cooke (Keyboards), Lenny Bradford (Bass), Jake Cohen (Drums), and Klem Klimek (Saxophone).

Ilo is also scheduled to return to the Baha Brothers’ Sandbar Grill in Taunton, Friday, December 18th, and the Patriot’s Place in Foxboro, (MA) January 9th 2010, where he first performed back in 2007.

Since being discovered in Mindelo, São Vicente (Cape Verde) by legendary singer Jimmy Buffett two years ago, Ilo has played alongside The Coral Reefers band and performed in venues such as Toyota Park (Chicago), La Cigale (Paris), and Joe’s Pub (New York City), among many others.

Raised amid a family of musicians (his father is acclaimed Capeverdean composer Vlú), Ilo released a five-track self-titled EP in June and is currently working on a full-length album.

Johnny D’s, known for hosting blues, folk, rock and international music, is located across the Davis T Stop on 17 Holland Street in Somerville, MA.  Doors open at 7 pm.

Please submit at least three songs to info@sodadeonline.com. Don’t forget to write the name of the songs and the name of the singer/group.

“It’s the first time that there is an album like this one, even for Capeverdeans it’s a bit too audacious, but it’s my truth and I want to show it.  I know that Cape Verde wants more traditional and less of the new stuff, but someone has to do the new stuff,” he told Sodade as he looked forward to the upcoming concert.

On Saturday the musician will be accompanied by Ndu (percussion), Cali Pereira (keyboard) and Vando Pereira (bass).

Scheduled to perform during this concert dubbed “Ensemble, Nous djunta Mô,” (Together, let’s lend a hand), are Zéca di Nha Reinalda, Eddy Fortes, Mariana Ramos, Teofilo Chantre, Netos di Cabral, Jorge Humberto, Célia, Roger, Shaicho Black, Jacqueline Fortes, Tony Pirata, Yvon Paris, La MC Malcriado, and Cesaria Evora who will perform a few songs from her recently released album, “Nha Sentimento.”

Proceeds from the show, which is sponsored by Lusafrica and Héliades, will go to Capeverdean children.

Cesaria, who is known for charitable projects in the field of children’s education, joined the charitable grants award ceremony of "Yangi Avlod” (Children's Creativity Festival), which was held on November 17th in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Cesaria awarded grants to young talents in Uzbekistan during this festival, which is organized by the Fund Forum in conjunction with Kamalak children's organization and UNICEF.  Singer and philanthropist Sting also gave special grants to Yangi Avlod winners in October 2009.

La Cigale is located at 120 Boulevard Rochechouart in Paris, France.

Nancy Vieira, Jorge Neto, Tó Semedo, Maísa, Eddu, Ricky Boy, Djodje, Loony, Kido Semedo, Billy Family, Djonny Lima, Gaby (Irmãos Verdades), Hugo, Kidy, DJ Beleza, and DJ Black are among those confirmed to perform.

The festival is an initiative from Portugal-based singer and philanthropist Gilyto Semedo. 

Since the breakout of Dengue fever in Cape Verde last October, more than 17,000 cases have been reported, six of which have been fatal.   Dengue is spread by mosquitoes and can only be prevented by avoiding bites, which is why festival goers are urged to bring insect repellant and vitamin C.  These will be distributed in the Cape Verde Islands where some pharmacies are beginning to see a shortage of these items.    

Cape Verde also enlisted and has received international assistance from Doctors Without Borders, AMI, World Health Organization, etc…

Dany Silva, recently released Caminho Longi (2008), a record produced by American songwriter/producer Barry Marshall, featuring a variety of styles such as, Morna, Coladera, Blues, Jazz, Salsa, R&B, Semba, and a duet with American singer Philip Hamilton (Mama Africa).

Jennifer Almeida lent her vocals to the Olinôs project, entitled “Enkantod k’bo Rosto,” in 2005, and has received plenty of accolades since.  The avid performer is currently at work on a solo album.

These singers will be accompanied by the house band at Cabaret Maxime, one of the few alternative venues often used by the B. Leza Itinerary—a group formed two years ago in hopes of maintaining the tradition of lively Capeverdean-themed nights in Lisbon that once brought music fans and disco-goers to B. Leza.

Cesaria, who will present the grants alongside Fund Forums' Chairperson Dr Gulnara Karimova to the winners of the Yangi Avlod Festival, will also perform following the ceremony. Cesaria is known for her for charitable projects in the field of children’s education and her work as the ambassadress of the world food Program of the United Nations since 2003.

Winners of the Festival will traditionally perform on the same stage with popular Uzbek artists and will receive diplomas and cash grants from the hands of prominent public and cultural figures, in this case Cesaria Evora.

Yangi Avlod Festival is one of the biggest projects of the Fund Forum to support gifted children in Uzbekistan. Around 20 000 children across Uzbekistan have applied for this year’s grants. More than 500 of them reached the national finals and now expect to be among this year’s recipient of the grant.

Organized by the Fund Forum in conjunction with Kamalak children's organization and UNICEF, the “Yangi Avlod” festival presents an opportunity for the children to showcase their talents in the international arena such as music (classical and national instruments), singing, dancing, fine and applied arts, as well as literary works.

Since 2004, Children's Art and Creativity Centers have been set up on the basis of the project in Tashkent and Samarkand, where children are taught to develop their creativity free of charge.

In October 2009, Sting, the legend of world music, philanthropist and public figure personally gave special grants to the four Yangi Avlod winners, who have particularly showed themselves in the traditional music.

Mayra will perform at the Royal Festival Hall/Southbank Centre, alongside Cuban piano prodigy Roberto Fonseca, on Saturday, November 14th.  Fonseca replaced the late Ruben Gonzalez in the legendary band The Buena Vista Social Club.

Also part of the festival’s star-studded lineup are artists such as Gilberto Gil, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Branford Marsalis, Sheila Jordan, Fly, Stefano Bollani, Jason Moran, Bela Fleck, Regina Carter, Kurt Elling, Stanley Clarke, Madeleine Peyroux, Melody Gardot, Dave Holland, and Marcus Miller among others.

Mayra recently released her sophomore album, “Storia, Storia,” produced by Grammy Award Winner (Latin) Alê Siqueira, who has worked with  Chico César, Caetano Veloso, Bebel Gilberto and Tribalistas. She debuted with “Navega” (Upon the Waves) in 2007.
Originally named Camden Jazz Week (in the 1970s), the London Jazz Festival emerged in 1992, taking the mix of international and British artists. Over the years, the Festival has grown to be one of the major international jazz events, welcoming artists such as Heritage Orchestra and Dwight Trible, Carla Bley, Gerald Wilson, Tord Gustavsen, John Taylor, Michael Garrick, Frank Holder and Coleridge Goode etc…

In the Netherlands, a group of Capeverdean vocalists/musicians joined forces in the recording studio to release “Help Saniclau,” a four-track album fetching the titles “Sodade,” “Unidos pa Saniclau,” “Pau e Corda,” and “Unidos pa Saniclau (rap).” 

Many Holland-based artists with connection to the island lent their craft to this project, which hit the stores on November 10th.  They are, Joana do Rosario, Djuta Gomes, Adelino Soares, Betty Fonseca, Marlene Fonseca, Maninho Almeida, Nais d’Scotchin, Pai (Tabanka), Vady Silva, Anita Jardim, Nilton Ramalho, Marizia do Rosario, William Araujo, Nelson Freitas, Jose Azancoth, Djey Ramos, Lily Spencer, Djim, Malocas, Eddy Parker, Manu MDS Bollebof, Alee Rock, Toy Avelino, Johnny Fonseca, Roberto Matias, Danilo Tavares, and Guy Silva.

Through album sales they hope to help in the rebuilding process of the hardest-hit areas of the island, where heavy rain inundated homes, destroyed roads, and isolated parts of São Nicolau, including its administrative capital, Ribeira Brava, in mid September.

Known for its vividly painted colonial-style houses and a scenic landscape that boasts of green valleys, where streams of water flow year-round, São Nicolau was discovered in 1461, and became an important part of Cape Verde’s intellectual history, thanks to the Seminary of Cape Verde housed there for six decades, and later (in 1936) for giving birth to the literary movement Claridade, once headed by renowned writers and poets, such as Jorge Barbosa, Manuel Lopes and Baltazar Lopes.

Sara, who’s fresh off an appearance at San Fancisco Jazz Festival (Nov. 6th), is scheduled to perform in the fall edition of Montreal’s International Jazz Festival on November 17, which also features, Suzanne Vega, Nikki Yanofski, Susi Arioli, Cowboy Junkies, Carol Welsman, John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers, David Gogo, Alex Cuba, Michael Kaeshammer, Coral Egan and John Pizzarelli Quartet, Coco Montoya, Caravan Palace, and others throughout the season. 

Born in Portugal from Capeverdean parents, Sara Tavares who is no stranger to the stage previously released “Sara Tavares & Shout” (1996), and followed with chart-toppers “Mi Ma Bô” (1998) and “Balancê” (2005), which garnered the singer BBC Radio 3 and Golden Globe Award nominations. 

Her complete fall tour schedule of North America and Canada as well as some early 2010 tour dates are below:

11/10 Jack Singer Concert Hall, Calgary, AB - Canada
11/13 Judy and Arthur Zankel Hall, New York, NY
11/14 Lisner Auditorium, Washington, D.C.
11/15 The American Theatre, Hampton, VA
11/17 Le Festival International de Jazz de Montreal, Canada
11/19 Koerner Concert Hall, Toronto, ON - Canada
11/20 Perelman Theater, Philadelphia, PA
11/21 Berklee Performance Center, Boston, MA
11/22 Kelley Theatre Fairfield University, Fairfield, CT

2/5 Alhambra - Festival au fil des Voix, Paris - France
2/27 l'Epicerie Moderne, Feyzin - France
4/10 Theatre de Vanves, Vanves - France

Cesaria, who released her new record “Nha Sentimento” on October 26th, will start the tour with two consecutive shows at the prestigious Grand Rex in Paris, France, on November 9th and November 10th, 2009.

The barefoot Diva is scheduled to perform in Switzerland on 11/11th (Geneva) and 11/12th (Zurich). On 11/14th, Cesaria will appear at Esch sur Azette in Luxembourg, followed by Wroclaw, Poland, on 11/24th, and Vilnius, Lithuania, on 11/25th.

During this tour, Cesaria will unveil songs from “Nha Sentimento,” which was recorded in Mindelo, Cape Verde, and in Paris, France. This 14-track album, which fetches songs penned by Manuel D’Novas, Teófilo and Vitorino Chantre, Betu, and Tututa, boasts arrangements from Nando Andrade and Fathy Salama with Cairo’s Orchestra.

Born on August 27, 1941, in Mindelo, Cape Verde, Cesaria made history in February 2004 by becoming the first Capeverdean artist to win at the Grammy Awards.

The Portugal-based singer, who began the Guinea-Bissau concert series with a live performance this past Saturday, October 31st, is scheduled to step on stage again on Tuesday, November 3rd in Gabú, and will follow with a farewell concert on Wednesday, November 4th, in Bissau.

Still on tour in support of his latest studio release, “Stribilin!”, Gilyto is also expected to perform on the island of Fogo, Cape Verde, on November 25th, and in Switzerland, on December 12th. 

His previously released albums include, “Kel Tempu” (1999), “Nha Atriz Principal” (2001), “Diamante Africana” (2005), “Traduson pa Tradison” (2006), and “Live@Luxembourg” (2008).

Scheduled to step on stage (Cosmopolite) on 11/6th, Ferro Gaita will be among 300 artists from all corners of the world, including Gilberto Gil (Brazil), Cheb Khaled (Algeria), Tony Allen (Nigeria), Oumou Sangare (Mali), Huun-Huur-Tu (Tuva), Miguel Poveda (Spain), Tinariwen (Sahara/Mali) and Bollywoodfeber (Norway/UK) among others.

The band will continue to promote its latest album “Cidade Velha” with another show at Sunrise in Rotterdam, Holland, on November 7th.  They will then return to Cape Verde to perform in Assomada (interior of Santiago) on 11/20th and Fogo on 11/21st.

Unquestionably the pacesetters of Funana/Tabanka (traditional sounds originated from the interior of the island of Santiago, Cape Verde), Ferro Gaita, founded in 1996, previously released chart-toppers such as “Fundu Baxu” in 1997, “Rei di Tabanka” in 1999, “Rei di Funana,” (2001), “Bandera Liberdade,” (2003), and “Finkadu na Raiz” (2006).

Produced by Antillean musician Marvin (who also lends his vocals) and distributed by Europe-based Section Cabo, Lda, “Sensual” boasts contributions from heavy hitters Mark Gonçalves, Philip Monteiro, Elizio, and Fanny G.  Marysa’s feathery vocals over tracks sung in Capeverdean Creole and French, such as, “Olá,” “Avec Toi,” and “Fofu” make up the young singer’s debut.

Marysa, who lives in Paris, France, previously recorded memorable duets, “Ali e Marysa” and “Vini” with Zouk darlings Ali Angel and Nichols, respectively.

Hosted by Emmanuel Nado and Pamela Brown, Africa Mix will also bring, alongside Cabral, French jazz singer and recording artist Raquel Bitton, best known for interpreting the music from Edith Piaf, a French singer and cultural icon who "is almost universally regarded as France's greatest popular singer.

Cabral, who has been living in San Francisco, CA, since 1965, is one of Cape Verde’s most prominent songwriters/composers. He penned hit songs such as “Xandinha,” “Frutu Proibido,” and “Sol já Cambá” etc… Cabral also began an artistic collaboration with jazz pianist and arranger Larry Dunlap with whom he produced an array of jazz albums.

Based in San Francisco, Africa Mix is KALW’s weekly radio show (Thursday nights beginning at 9:00pm Pacific time), featuring music from Africa and the African Diaspora.

“Pássaro Cego,” which was released on October 12, 2009, is the result of collaborations with the singer, pianist Manuel Paulo, and songwriter João Monge. 

Published in book format, the project features music by Manuel Paulo, (who also arranged and produced the album), lyrics from João Monge, Nancy Vieira’s vocals, and paintings by João Ribeiro, who illustrated each theme on the album. 

The lyrics take listeners through ten islands over flown by a blind bird guided by its senses, identifying each of the islands with songs such as, “Ilha Mãe,” “Ilha da Fé,” “Ilha Babilónia,” “Ilha da Saudade,” and “Ilha dos Amantes.”

Recorded between November 2008 and April 2009, “Pássaro Cego” (Arthouse) is distributed by iPlay.

Born in Guinea-Bissau from Capeverdean parents, the Portugal-based singer has released critically-acclaimed albums, “Nos Raça” (1995), “Segred” (2004) and “Lus” (2007).

On Friday, October 23rd, Carmen will join a star-studded lineup at 2009 Musicport Festival, the UK's biggest indoor World Music Festival, which will be held in Bridlington, East Yorkshire. Carmen will share the stage with the likes of Mamane Barka, Ella Montclare, Cloudbase, Tom Hingley, and Rafiki Jazz among others.

Carmen, who will be backed by her band--Theo Pas’cal (Bass/Double bass), Dado Pascualini (Percussion), Jonathan Idiagbonya (Piano), and Orlanda Guilande (Percussion/Back vocals),will then perform at the Light Global Music Club (Global music in Glossop) in Derbyshire on October 24th.

On Sunday, October, 25th, Carmen will conclude her U.K. trip with an appearance at Green Note, an independent live music venue and vegetarian café-bar, located in Camden Town, London.

A Native of Lisbon, Portugal, this daughter of Capeverdean parents first introduced “Ess ê Nha Cabo Verde” (2005) and recently “Verdade,” which marks her considerable musical growth as writer, producer and vocalist.

A former singer of the band Simentera, Alhinho has released the albums “Mares do Sul,” “Menino das Ilhas,” “Sentires,” “De Cor a Som,” and “Voz.”  Her most recent work is “Andante,” (2007) a collection of some of her best songs showcasing her outstanding vocals, with tracks such as “Dia C’Tchuva Bem,” “’Spirito Lévi,” “Tchiga Pa Mi,” and “Fladu Fla.”  In 2008, she performed “São Horas de Dormir” (Time to go to sleep) in the fourth release of Putumayo’s Kids’ Dreamland series.

Zéca Di Nha Reinalda, whose real name is Emanuel Dias Fernandes, has dominated the charts for decades, first as the front man of Bulimundo with unforgettable songs such as “Sema Lopi,” “Fomi 47,” “Mundu Ka bu Kaba,” “Tó Martins,” “Djan Branku Dja” etc…

Featuring an array of internationally-known music stars, this year’s novelties include the Roskilde Festival World Music Award, and a new stage—the Nordic Club, designed for artists hailing from Iceland, Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Finland.

Scheduled to perform during the five-day event are, Bazar Blå (Sweden), Johan Sara Jr. Group (Norway), Lepistö&Lehti (Finland), Mógil (Belgian-Icelandic colab), Nordic (Sweden), Unni Løvlid (Norway), Valravn (Denmark/Faroe Islands), Wimme (Finland), Zar (Denmark), Addis Acoustic Project (Ethiopia), Ahilea (DJ, Macedonia/Austria), Ahirkapi Roman Orkestrasi (Turkey), Ale Möller Band (Sweden/Greece/Senegal/Canada/Mexico), Analog Africa Soundsystem DJs (Germany), Boris Malkovsky (Israel), Brigada Retro Mishto (Romania), Carlou D (Senegal), Cedric Watson & Bijou Creole (USA), Chet Nuneta (France), Chocquibtown (Colombia), Deba (Mayotte Island/France), and Deolinda (Portugal).

Other artists such as, Dulsori (South Korea), Eva Quartet (Bulgaria), Gilzene and The Blue Light Mento Band (Jamaica), Grupo Fantasma (USA), Hanggai (China), Hasna el Becharia (Algeria/France/Italy), Kayhan Kalhor and Brooklyn Rider (Iran/USA), Kenge Kenge (Kenya), Kouyaté-Neerman (Mali/France), Les Yeux Noirs (France), Maga Bo (DJ), Brazil, Mamane Barka (Niger), San Chuan (China), Orchestra Popolare Italiana (Italy), Oreka TX (Spain), Parno Graszt (Hungary), Renato Borghetti (Brazil), Socalled (Canada), SpokFrevo Orquestra (Brazil), Staff Benda Bilili (DR Congo), Victor Démé (Burkina Faso), Watcha Clan (France/Algeria), Yilila (Australia), and Yves Lambert et le Bébert Orchestra (Canada), will also take the stage at WOMEX.

Evening shows will be held at the Copenhagen Concert Center (Koncerthuset), while day time concerts will take place at the Bella Center.  WOMEX has been honoring world music artists since 1999 for their level of musical excellence, social importance, commercial success and political impact.

Ilo, who recently appeared at the Chicago’s House of Blues, will be accompanied by a five-piece band, which features Johnny Duke (Guitar), John Cooke (Keyboards), Lenny Bradford (Bass), Jake Cohen (Drums), and Klem Klimek (Saxophone).

Currently working on his debut album, Ilo will perform next during Jimmy Buffett’ 18th annual Meeting of the Minds, which will be held in Key West, FL, from Thursday, November 5th through Sunday, November 8th, 2009.

On November 21st, Ilo is scheduled to perform at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut, followed by an appearance during the Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, a late night television show on NBC on November 23rd.

Discovered in his native Cape Verde by the legendary Jimmy Buffet, Ilo has been performing nonstop around the United States, including at Tennessee’s legendary Bonaroo Festival, Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, MA, and the Riverbend Music Center (Cincinnati, Ohio) to name a few.

His self titled, five-song CD will be available for sale during the show at Cesaria, which is located at 266 Bowdoin Street in Dorchester, MA.

One of Cape Verde’s most significant composers and poets, Manuel d’Novas had been hospitalized for the past few days due to complications from a stroke he’d suffered two years ago in Portugal.

Born Manuel Jesus Lopes on the island of Santo Antão, Cape Verde, on December 24, 1938, he took on songwriting in the fifties as a sailor on-board Novas d’Alegria, when he penned his first song, Pinote na Vapor.  A traveler and “man of the sea,” he played a central role in the enrichment of Capeverdean culture and music with fine compositions such as Casinha Branca, Nos Morna, Lamento dum Emigrante, Na Camin d’Maderalzin, Stranger é um ilusão, Apocalipse, Patria Linda, Nôs Raça, Tudo tem se limite, Serpentina, Biografia dum Criol, Nh’armon, Pite na Baía, Hoje é Natal, Mascrinha, just name a few.

On October 1st, Teófilo will be joined by band mates, Jacky Fourniret (Accordion), Fabrice Thompson (Drums/Percussions), Pascal Boucaud (Bass), Kim Dan Le Oc Mach (Violin) and Carlos Mendes (Guitar).   He will follow with two more evenings of live performances, though in trio, at Rieucros on Friday, October 2nd, and in Saint-Martin-d’Oydes on Saturday, October 3rd.

The France-based musician is part of the new season line-up at L’Estive, also featuring live music by Michèle Bernard, October 8th, act by Les Voyageurs, October 12th, Coeur de Bich, October 15th, and musical Les Noces de Walpurgis, October 17th.

L’Estive: Scène Nationale de Foix et de l’Ariège brings seasonal artistic performances to its stages throughout the year, ranging from theater, music, films, and musicals, in part resulting from a network of cultural supporters and partners that include, Ariège Expansion, Ariège Télécom, Gamm Vert, MAIF, MGEN, MAE and ASL, and Ariège News, La Dépêche du Midi, La Gazette Ariégeoise, L’Ariégeois Magazine, Le 09, Le Patriote and Radio Transparence.

Boasting of spectacular views surrounding its historic castle (Chateau de Foix) built in the 10th Century, and nestled somewhere between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean coasts, Foix—the capital city of Ariège (Département), sits on the foothills of the Pyrénées in Southwestern France.

Teófilo’s recent albums include Rodatempo (2000), Azulando (2004), and Viajá (2007).

This postponement is due to the excessive rain, which delayed the arrival of the equipment on the island, according to the organizers. These downpours, which affected the entire country, also forced the cancellation of the 20th edition of the Santa Maria Music Festival, originally due to take place in Sal on September 11th and 12th.

Still scheduled to perform during the festival, which this year runs under the theme, “Morná Cabo Verde,” are Margarida Spencer, Sónia Évora, Djila Duarte, Djugano, Djack Monteirio, Xon d'Bei, Moisés & Djila Évora, and Albertino among others.

Also scheduled to take the stage during this event are Kora Jazz Trio (Guinea and Senegal), and Mulatu Astatke & The Heliocentrics (England and Ethiopia). Music will be provided by DJ Rycardo.

Ferro Gaita continues to promote its most recent album “Cidade Velha” whose release coincided with the band’s 12th anniversary celebration. This album fetches Ferro Gaita’s music styles it is best known for, Funaná, Batuku and Tabanka.

Africa.Cont is conceived as a platform for the development of relationships encompassing communication, cooperation and interaction between Europe, African countries and their Diasporas. One of its main objectives is to stimulate the enhanced knowledge and the enjoyment of African contemporary culture by the different targeted audiences.

The evening’s headliner, U.S. based J.L. Santos Spencer and special guest performers Djuss and Isabel, who are making the trip from New York, will record live with two different bands at this event, including a Strings Quartet for an upcoming CD and DVD release.

Many other singers and musicians will also be present and will record the song, “SOS Civilidadi.” They are, Ingrid, Isidora, Galvão, Juceila, Lutchinha, Sap, Calu Bana, Valdir Alves, Djuta Barros, Janice Teixeira, Dominique Rosário, Isabelle Jan, Djuss, Piduca Silva, Sandra Silva, Yahyass, José Silva, Carlos Graça, and Vargas.

The set list for the evening also includes, Armandinho (Congas), Claudio Ramos (Keyboard), Derick Massimo (Cello), Djuss (Keyboard), Ginho Silva (Sax), Heidye (Violin), Jack Santos (Drums), John Miranda (Violin), Faith Pyne (Violin), Kim Spinola (Keyboard), Manny da Fatima (Surdo & Shakers), Pulan Miranda (Guitar, Ukulele), Tasha Denver (Viola), Yah Yass (Bass) and Zé Rui (Ukulele).

Tickets for this event, scheduled for 7pm through 1am, are $25 each.  Those interested in attending should call 508.431.3161 or 781.603.7004.

On Friday, September 25th, Mariana will perform at Rosinha Restaurante in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, followed by Sodade Restaurante in Brockton, MA, on 10/2nd. Mariana is also scheduled to appear at the Bisca Club in New Bedford, MA, on 10/3rd, and Tropical Restaurant in Central Falls, RI, on 10/4th.

This will be the first trip to the United States for Mariana, who was recently in Angola where she presented “Oyé Luna,” a musical written by French author and playwright Richard Demarcy. She also performed at Miami Beach on 9/16th and at Cine Atlantico on 9/18th in Luanda.

Officially released last year, “Mornador,” produced by Casa Verde Productions, features songs penned by Boy Gé Mendes and Téofilo Chantre with whom she sings a duet. Since its release, it has received rave reviews from several of France’s most influential media outlets, including Liberation, Le Parisien, France 2, TV5 Monde, France Inter, and RFI Monde.

A native of Dakar, Senegal, Mariana is the daughter of Toy Ramos, who was the guitarist of the legendary band Voz de Cabo Verde. Known for her jazz-influenced blend of morna, coladera, funana and samba, Mariana previously released “Di dor em or” in 2000 and “Bibia” in 2004.

Recorded between Mindelo (São Vicente, Cabo Verde) and Paris, “Nha Sentimento” brings back Manuel D’Novas and Teófilo Chantre’s trademark coladeras, as well as contributions from composers Vitorino Chantre and Tututa, with songs like Vento do Sueste, and Mam’Bia E So Mi. 

The 14-track album, which is more upbeat than her previous works, boasts arrangements from pianist Nando Andrade, and Fathy Salama with Cairo’s Orchestra.

Cesaria, who has now fully recovered from brief health complications, reportedly lost weight and is following a very rigorous diet.  Nevertheless, in order to fully replenish, the World Beat crooner and her producer José da Silva decided to limit her tours to a certain amount of concerts. 

This fall she is expected throughout Eastern Europe and Israel, and will appear at Le Grand Rex, Paris for two shows in November.  Cesaria’s upcoming tour dates and venues are as follows:

10/1/09, Palatului Hall, Bucareste, Romania,
10/2/09, National Cultural Palace, Bulgaria
10/4/09, Udruga Destilana, Croatia
10/6/09, Sava Centar, Belgrade, Serbia
10/09/09, Le Grand Rex, Paris, France
10/10/09, Le Grand Rex, Paris, France
11/11/09, Victoria Hall, Geneva, Switzerland
11/12/09, Kongresshaus, Zurich, Switzerland
11/14/09, Rockhal, Esch Sur Alzette, Luxembourg
11/19/09, Man Auditorium, Tel-Aviv, Israel
11/21/09, Congress Center, Israel
11/2409, Hala Stulecia, Wroclaw, Poland
11/25/09, Utenus Pramogu, Vilnius, Lithuania

Despite the economic downturn that has plagued the world in the past year and is also being deeply felt in Sal—Cape Verde’s most coveted hotspot for tourists—the organizers were able to put together an ambitious group of performers, who would have headlined this year’s festivities on September 11 and 12, 2009.  

Beto Dias, Boss AC, Cordas do Sol, Gaita’l Funaná, Grace Évora, Johnny Fonseca, Ky-Mani Marley (Jamaica), Mayra Andrade, Nelson Freitas, Netinho da Baía (Brazil), Sara Tavares and T-cla2 were all scheduled to appear, according to the festival’s official website.

It was a definite nostalgic afternoon at Higginson Park, where the singers were backed by Jammband—Djim Job, Kalú, Tó, Tony Kid, Manny, Ney Miranda, Rui—a band which the singer-guitarist and sometime composer had been part of during the brief time he lived in the United States and released Kola Jamm.

Vocalists Joey and Xaxe did the opening honors, singing “Más um Coladêra,” followed by Sap, with a remarkable rendition of “Mais Bonita.”   Other standout performers included Djuss with “Festa d’tchuva,” Zé Rui who sang “Butõn d’Ruzirinha,” Galvão’s vocals during “Morena,” and Domingos, who sang “Jóia.”  Guest performers also included Dicki Tavares, Claudio Ramos, Feel Bass, Isidora, Ju Sança, Lutchinha, Calu Bana, Ingrid, Jorge Gorila, Gutty Duarte, and Djuta Barros.   

After nearly four hours of nonstop music the vibes that emanated from the stage, boasting a large hand-painted picture (by Roger) of Biús as backdrop, hinted strongly of flashbacks to the early nineties.  The band, which at least one generation of Capeverdeans in the surrounding New England states have strongly identified themselves with since then, closed with classics, “96 Degrees,” and “Leila,” only to follow with “Coração Blues,” as Tó, Chachi and Timmy shared vocal duties and assured the audience that the event will be repeated in the years to follow.

A positive turnout after a tremendous effort to say the least, since the proceeds to this event are going directly to a newly established college fund for Biús’ daughter and his family in Cape Verde.  Biús, who passed away in S. Vicente, Cape Verde on August 5, 2009, had released the now rare to find album Más um Coladêra, (1997) and Dia e Nôte (1999).  He also contributed to many other recordings and compilations such as PALOP Africa, La Nuit du Cap-Vert au Zenith, Ao Vivo No B.Leza, Cabo Verde Na Coraçon, and Homenagem Luis Morais, Boas Festas.

In a series of voyages to many parts of the world, such as Portugal, Luxembourg, Holland, France, Italy, Senegal, Angola, Argentina, Brazil, Aruba, Bermudas, Camin di Mar explores Cape Verde’s deep relationship with the sea. 

In addition to viewing the complete film, audiences will be treated to a series of trailers of upcoming releases, Producer/Director Guenny K. Pires tells SodadeOnline.

During this special screening event, local artists Talulu, Lutchinha, Tinny & Jamila Cardoso, Africa Rainbow, Shokanti and Nuno Raiz di Polon will perform live, backed by Antero Marcelo, Ney Miranda, Tó Alves and Tchico Evora.  An encore is scheduled for the following evening (Sept. 19) at Rosinha Restaurant in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. 

Tickets to both screenings cost $25 in advance, $30 at the door, and include dinner.

International renowned artists Ky-Mani Marley (Jamaica) and Netinho da Baía (Brazil) will also perform during the two-day fest, which this year runs under the theme, “Santa Maria Festival: 20 years of success – a tribute to Djad’Sal.”

As Cape Verde’s largest tourist attraction, thanks in large part to the vast white-sanded beach of Santa Maria and luxury hotels, the island of Sal has previously hosted Cabo Verde Show, Cesaria, Ferro Gaita, Gil, Lura and Maria de Barros as main attractions at Santa Maria Festival.

Arranged by Zé Timas, Tony Azevedo, and Nhélas Sax, “Lembrança” features renowned ballads as well as coladeras and mornas penned by the likes of Boy Gê Mendes, Manuel D’Novas, Ricardo Montener, Frank Cavaquim, and Manel Clarinete etc…

Backed by a five-piece band--Zé Timas (Guitar), Djack (Drums), Manny (Keyboards), Vuca Pinheiro (Guitar), and Yayas (Bass)--Nhélas covered instrumentals from his 10-track record, including Travessa D’Pexêra, Ganha Pôce Vivê Bem, Bésame La Boca, Love Story, Moça, and Midjo Branco, which is dedicated to his music teacher, Master Manel Clarinete.

Singers Luthinha and Calu Bana, who interpreted the opening track, Ilheu Dos Possaros, were also part of this release party.

Born in Cape Verde, Nhélas Sax joined local school of music (Escola de Musica Municipal da Praia) at the age of 17 and learned to play the saxophone and clarinet. As a young saxophonist, he was part of bands such as band Zéca Santos, Gota d’aga, Grit d’Mindelo, and Kings. He later joined musician Palo, formerly of Finaçon, and formed a dynamic duo, which made nightly live appearances at Cape Verde’s hottest spots.

Cabral or Abel Djassi as he was known among his comrades was a firm believer in the preservation of Cape Verde’s culture, particularly the music styles once forbidden before the archipelago’s independence in 1975.      

The celebration will include dance, poetry (Erik Andrade), presentation by filmmaker and historian Claire Andrade-Watkins, and guest speaker Jibreel Khazan (Ezel Blair Jr.). 

Music evidently plays some part in this event, which will feature performances from U.S.-based rappers Chachi and Tem Blessed, singer Lily Spencer (Holland), guitarists Noah Andrade and Djik Silva, as well as a live band composed of Djim Job, Kalú Monteiro, Feel Bass, and Claudio Ramos (U.S.). 

For tickets to this event please contact Kenny Monteiro at 508.484.3333, or Danny DaCruz at 774.274.2401.

Scheduled to take part in this day-long concert are Maria de Barros, Djosinha, Gardenia, John and Ramiro Mendes, Sãozinha, Calu Bana, Sap, Lutchinha, Quirino, Nadia, Danny Carvalho, Yayas, Nhelas, ZéRui de Pina, Galvão, Dickie Tavares, Timmy, Zé Timas, Claudio Ramos, Guti, Izidora, Feel Bass, Wings Band and many more.

Jamm Band, featuring Kalú Monteiro, Djim Job, Tony Kid, Ney Miranda, Jorge Nunes, Tó, and Manny, will close out the show.

Bius died of complications from diabetes in São Vicente, Cape Verde, on August 5th, 2009. He started his music career playing with the band Jovens Unidos and later Gaiatos with Tito Paris and Bau.  He was also part of Jamm Band with who he released “Kola Jamm” in the early nineties. During his solo career, Bius recorded two albums, “Más um coladera” in 1997 and “Dia e Nôte” in 1999.

The concert memorial is scheduled to start at noon until 8 pm. The organizers are asking for donations for Bius’ family and college fund for his daughter. If you wish to make a donation, please call 401-365-2424 or email jammband@gmail.com.

Maria Alice, who recently released her new album entitled Tocantina, is scheduled to perform on September 4th inside auditorium Primeiro de Maio, alongside artists such as Roda de Choro de Lisboa, Vanessa Alves , and Francisco Naia.

Also scheduled to perform throughout Festa do Avante are Tabanka Djaz, Willie Nile, Ska P, Nelson Cascais, The Soaked Lamb, Hazmat Modine, Tereza Salgueiro, The Men They Couldn’t Hang, Skalibans, Blind Zero, Bandarra, Samuel,  Frei Fado Del Rei, and Krissy Mathews Blues Band among others.

Held annually and organized by Setubal JCP, Festa do Avante is a multicultural event, which also features thematic debates, sports, speeches, arts and crafts exhibits as well as food and different genres of music such as Jazz, Classical, Pop Rock, Hip-Hop, Punk Rock and various DJs.

Many artists including, Maria de Barros, Candida Rose, Ju Sança, Caloiro, Quirino do Canto, Gutty Duarte, Kalú Monteiro, Djim Job, Zé Rui, Dicki, Luis Brazileiro, Ney Miranda, Kose Yamaguchi, and Calu Bana are scheduled to appear and cover songs that have made up Djosinha’s unique repertoire over the years.   Others, like Chico Serra (Cape Verde), Mário Pop, and Morgadinho (France) will make the trip to the United States to perform at this special event.

Known for his trademark theatrical performances and dramatic love duets, Djosinha, the Radio host of “Camin pa Cabo Verde” (Way to Cape Verde), currently transmitted on WJFD-FM, New Bedford, Massachusetts, has recorded countless albums over a career spanning more than four decades, resulting in many hits that have traditionally become associated with the singer, such as Negue, Antoninho Bodi and Coragem Irmon.

But long before he recorded his self-titled LP (1985), and albums like Simpatia (1992) and Nos Dom (2000), Djosinha became the face of one of Cape Verde’s earliest emblematic bands when he signed on as lead vocalist of Voz de Cabo Verde back in Holland, in 1967.   Alongside Luis Morais, Bana, Toy d’Bibia, Morgadinho, and Frank Cavaquinho, he helped garner international attention toward Capeverdean music and its artists with an irresistible mix of Cumbia, Samba, Salsa, Meringue, Cha-Cha, Morna and Coladera.

Fans can now return the favor, so to speak, by attending the dinner and concert, which will be held inside White’s Restaurant in Westport, MA (6-10pm).  All those interested in attending and/or sponsoring this event should contact Calu Bana and Ana Lopes at 401.728.9929 or 401.787.4765, and R.S.V.P. by October 1st.

World-class singers and musicians, including our cover-artist Tcheka, sensation Lura and the queen of all, Cesaria Evora bring their shows to the U.S. and stop in Boston, MA, to deliver knockout performances inside Berklee College of Music, a high-profile institution located in the heart of the city.  But none of them, we presume, were pushed on that stage in the way lesser-known Emanuela “Nadia” Varela, a Berklee-educated vocalist, once was.

In 2001, when America was mourning the loss of R&B songbird Aaliah, a devoted fan of the genre and singer herself Nadia was taking part in a special concert at Berklee as a tribute to the fallen singer.  “It was a big Berklee stage with all critical musicians going there to see you make a mistake and talk about it because that’s what they do at Berklee.  The girl who was running the show, she had to push me on stage.  I got through it, people enjoyed it but I knew I was very nervous, and I had dancers behind me,” remembers Nada. “It was a real moment where honestly I felt like something opened up because I was so nervous I wouldn’t even sing in front of my roommate.  After doing that it was kind of like facing your fear and breaking out of it, so I think I broke out of it.  I had the worst performance anxiety, there are times when I still have performance anxiety, but definitely the more I performed the more I wanted it.  It’s like a drug.” 

Her ability to put on a show left a mark in one of Nadia’s former professors, Wayne C. Ward, who first heard her sing in his vocal methods class at Berklee.  Says Ward: “I was struck by her rich tone and her strong identification with the words of her song.  She knows how to communicate the meaning of a selection directly to the hearts of her audience.” 

Nadia didn’t grow up thinking she wanted at all to sing. Singing was this awkward growing pain she had to endure again and again, beginning with elementary school.  “There was one audition that all the kids wanted to go to and all they had to do was sing Do-to-Do.  At first I got excited, I went to sing, and one of my classmates said, ‘Why are you auditioning, you sound like a horse?’ I said, what do you mean?  And she said ‘You can’t sing your voice is horrible you sound like a horse.’” That day, she made up her mind that she wasn’t going to bother with singing and recited Do-Re-Mi-Fa-Sol-La-Si-Do in the most uninspired monotone voice she could muster. 

Growing up in a Capeverdean home in the city of Boston, Nadia often heard her mother sing traditional Capeverdean music around the house.  Later when young R&B starlets like Brandy began garnering attention from music fans all over the U.S., Nadia sought to emulate them.  But she had to wait until she was old enough in her family’s eyes to attend chorus rehearsals.  When she did audition, Nadia received a nod to sing a solo in a high school concert.  “I had never sung in front of more than four people at a time (just to audition) and that was it.  I was like, what, a solo!”  She says raising her voice.  “That very first time on stage performing a solo, it felt so good.  The song was the Whitney Houston and Cece Winans’ “Count on Me,” and I had a verse.   I was so nervous but I really liked the outcome and I loved the style.” 

Though she admits the “horse-like” comments about her voice haunted her during her first college years, they certainly didn’t stop her from winning a coveted contest sponsored by Boston’s Jam’n 94.5 FM Radio called “Find Your Real Voice, Keep it Fresh.”  The winning prizes came coupled with private lessons from a Berklee College of Music professor.  “They picked 25 finalists, then they picked 10 at Berklee and then they picked one.  I couldn’t believe it, I was crying in shock,” says Nadia, who soon after enrolled in Berklee’s music education program where she received her B.A.

The 25-year-old is ready to get back on stage, no pushing necessary.  “We’re trying to put together a band with people from the churches,” says the current music teacher.   “And my husband Feel and I are trying to start a Kriolu band that will do all genres of music, good music and it doesn’t matter which genre or in which language.  I don’t perform as much I’d like to, now I’m at a place where I’m really ready to perform a lot.”

“A Esperança está donde menos se espera” (Hope is where it’s least expected) is the latest picture from Joaquim Leitão, produced by Tino Navarro (MGN).  The songs, “Stribilin!,” “Bágu na Tcháda” and “Atriz Principal” are all included in the soundtrack of the film, which is scheduled to pre-screen on September 8th, in Lisbon’s São Jorge Cinema.

Currently touring Europe in support of his new album, Gilyto, will head to the United States in the fall and introduce Stribilin!, the same title which recently hit the number one spot on RDP Africa (Aug. 14th).

Gilyto, whose singing career now spans a decade, has been dubbed Mr. Entertainer in response to his signature dance moves and captured audiences with a unique mixture of Funaná, Zouk, Kizomba and Pop.

This year’s festivities, running between Aug. 14th and 23rd, mark the 150th anniversary of Barreiro’s railroad tracks, and is a full music showcase of Fado, Folk, Rock, Pop, Hip Hop, Rap, and Jazz.

Capeverdean singer Nancy Vieira joins Gabriel O Pensador, Amigos do Peito, Corais Alentejano, MG BOOS, Camané, Da Weasel, and Pedro Abrunhosa on one of the two stages, Palco das Mares.

A second stage, Palco da Juventude will feature other headliners such as, DJ Kalhanas, DJ Nox, Mother Ship, Head On, Peter Way, Skewer, Duende & Guests, Shadow Nigga & Unidade BV, Norules & Isa, DJ F Dee Doo, Clydes, Not That Bed, Stereofux, Marcos Lima & The Soul Crip.

Nancy’s most recent album—the all-acoustic “Lus” (HM Música, 2007) is a tantalizing mixture of Batuku, Bossa Nova, Coladera, Danzón, Funaná, Landó, Morna, and Samba.

Back To Black will also feature superstars such as Gilberto Gil, Youssou N’Dour, Marisa Monte, Luiz Melodia, Ed Motta, Banda Black Rio, Mano Brown and MC Ice Blue.

Mayra, who recently released her sophomore album “Storia, Storia” produced by Grammy Award Winner (Latin) Alê Siqueira, is scheduled to perform on Sunday, August 30th, alongside Angelique Kidjo (Benin), Paulo Flores (Angola), Omara Portuondo (Cuba),  and Brazilian artists such as D. Ivone Lara, Marina Lima, Maria Gadu, Margareth Menezes and Rodrigo Maranhão, and Conduzido Por Mart’nália.

The main goal of this festival is to promote and celebrate the African and Brazilian cultures through music, film, dance, theater, and politics.

The singer, whose interview special recorded in June with Paul Leslie aired this month (Aug. 5th through 9th) on the online radio show Time After Island Time will perform at the Back Porch stage as a guest of Mac McAnally, who is promoting his new studio release, “Down By The River.”

Ilo Ferreira is still fresh off his own (June 15th, 2009) release of a collection of songs, which was produced by Tony Brown and Mac McAnally on the EP “ILO,” available on Mailboat Records.  The EP, which fetches Rock/Pop Country styles, features the songs, “Let Me Love You,” “Lifeline,” “Sunny Day,” “Get The People Together,” and “Fisherman Song.”

This summer the singer has avidly performed through the United States.  His first huge gig since the mythical performance at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, MA (09/08/07) was in front of another tens of thousands at Tennessee’s legendary Bonaroo Festival in June, where Ilo and the All Star Coral Reefer Band, and of course Jimmy Buffett (who discovered Ilo back in 2006, when he visited Cape Verde in hopes of meeting Cesaria Evora) got on stage.

Recently, Ilo has taken his shows on the road to places like, Mohegan Sun (CT), The Stephen Talkhouse, The Comcast Center (MA), Montauk (NY), and the Riverbend Music Center (Cincinnati, Ohio) to name a few.  This past Saturday, August 8th, he was part of a performance guest list that included Aerosmith’s Joe Perry and Jake Shimabukuro during a Jimmy Buffett show at the Toyota Park in Bridgeview (Illinois) as part of Buffett’s 2009 Summerzcool Tour.

During his solo career, Bius recorded two albums, “Más um coladera” in 1997 and “Dia e Nôte” in 1999. Bius started his music career playing with the band Jovens Unidos and later Gaiatos with Tito Paris and Bau.  He was also part of U.S.-based music ensemble Jamm Band alongside Kalú Monteiro, Djim Job, Maria de Barros and Jorge Nunes among others.

On Saturday, August 22nd, Beto, who will be accompanied by the band Splash, will perform at Sheraton Tara Hotel in Braintree, MA. The following Saturday (8/29th), Beto and Splash are scheduled to appear at Tantric in Providence, RI.

Recorded in Holland (at Studio Danilo T) and Cape Verde (by Dabs Lopes), “Totalmente di Bo” features 10 tracks produced by the likes of Danilo Tavares, Djoy Delgado, Jorge do Rosario, and Dabs Lopes. It is a reflection of Beto’s musical style, which is a mixture of Zouk, up-tempo Funana, Coladera, and trademark slow jams.

Guitarist/singer Noah Andrade recently released his debut album entitled simply “Noah.”

Arranged by Djim Job, Claudio Ramos, and Kim Alves and executively produced by his father Joseph Andrade, the album fetches guest appearances from Tó and Kaku Alves, Grace Evora, Jacqui DaGraça to Calu Bana, ZéRui de Pina, Kalú Monteiro, and Johnny Fonseca among others.

Born in the U.S. from Capeverdean parents, Noah, who began playing the guitar at age of six, has opened for the likes of Grace Evora (Black Repertory, Providence), Kim Alves (New York’s S.O.B.'s), ZéRui De Pina (Harlem Meer Festival, Central Park, NY), and Don Kikas (Cesaria’s, Boston).

This month in order to properly commemorate 13 years in the music industry, the band is re-releasing its first studio record, “Fundu Baxu,” which was first released in 1997 and now boasts a new cover and format.  Also newly-released by the band is the anticipated debut album/DVD recorded by students from Ferro Gaita’s School of Traditional Music.

Founded in the summer of 1996 when front man Eduino got his comrades on board to play together, and armed with exceptional vocals, hard-knock accordion, bass, drums, percussions, and ear-splitting cowbells, these outstanding musicians have helped give Funaná, Batuku, Tabanka, and Finaçon a definite throne in the Capeverdean music spectrum.

On Saturday, August 1st, 2009, Gilyto is scheduled to perform at the Soul Club in Alcantara (near Lisbon), followed by another appearance at Crazy Bull in Albufeira, Algarve, a week later (on August 8th).

Gilyto, who will be accompanied by his band, is currently in the midst of a promotional tour in support of “Stribilin!”, namely in Cape Verde and Portugal.

Gilyto is scheduled to return to the United States in the fall for performances in New York’s Lava Gina on 09/11th, Tamboo in Brockton (MA) on 09/12th, and CV ASC in Bridgeport, CT, on 09/19th.

Dubbed Mr. Entertainer due to his trademark stage performances, Gilyto’s unique style--up-tempo Funaná sprinkled with Zouk/Kizomba/Pop--is showcased in his most recent works, “Diamante Africana” (2005), “Traduson pa Tradison” (2006) and “Live@Luxembourg” (2008).

The three-day event begins August 6th with performances by Kilema of Madagascar and Portuguese singing group Deolinda.  Also scheduled to appear are Sara Tavares, Dites 34 and Caravan Palace.

Organized by the town of Lagoa and open to World Music ranging from traditional to folk, jazz and blues, Sons do Atlântico is held in the scenic town of Lagoa with the Atlantic ocean as backdrop. 

In 2008 artists like Mayra Andrade, Oi Va Voi, Transglobal Underground, Sophie Solomon and 4 more headlined the festival.

Born in Cuba, raised in Cape Verde and currently residing in Coimbra, Portugal, Danae recently released her second album “Cafuca.” 

Mariana, who will be backed by Thierry Faure, Régis Therese, Salvador Douezy, and Jean-François Kellner, will share the stages with Souad Aslaoui (Algeria), Constantinople (Canada), Endochora (Cyprus), Yasmin Levy (Spain), Savina Yannatou, Martha Mavroidi, and Lamia Bedioui (Tunisia), Michalis Tzouganakis (Belgium).

Currently promoting third album, “Mornador,” Mariana previously appeared in Festival Black Summer (7/9th) in Paris and Festival “Tous sur le Pont” (Duet with Bernard Lavilliers) on 7/10th in Blois, France. She is scheduled to be part of Festival Val de Jazz in Belleville on 7/23rd and Festival Résonance in Rochefort on 7/25th.

Presented by Rialto Theatre, Ethnic Festival brings forward a series of multicultural events with music from Europe, Mediterranean, Asia and Africa. The main goal is to present a festival, which breaks down the walls of separation and brings different people together in a feast of joy and understanding.

On July 15th, Tchéka will perform in Mougins, a commune in the Alpes-Maritimes department in southeastern France. The following day, he is scheduled to appear at Le Pradet, a charming Var coastal resort along the coast.

On 7/17th, Tchéka will continue his journey along the coast of France with appearances at the Six Fours, followed by Tourves on 7/18th, Savines on 7/19th, Montricher-Albanne on 7/21st, Courchevel on 7/22nd, Hauteluce on 7/23rd, Megève on 7/24th, and Yvoire on 7/24th.

Tchéka, the first Capeverdean artist to win the RFI (Radio France International) Music of the World Awards, will be accompanied by Lucio (bass) and Marcos (percussions).

Born in Ribeira da Barca (interior of Santiago), Cape Verde, Tchéka previously released albums such as “Argui” (2003) and “Nu Monda” (2005). In 2006, he became the first Capeverdean artist to win the RFI (Radio France) Music of the World Awards.

The concert, which is scheduled to begin at 7:30pm is part of the city of Providence’s Friday Night Concert Series featuring other local artists like Santa Mamba, 07/17, Pendragon, 07/24, Route .44, 07/31 and Magnolia, 08/07.

Currently in Austria where he and band are backing chanteuse Maria de Barros, Zé Rui released his third solo album “Nha Luz” (My light) in 2004.  He previously recorded two solo projects, “Si ke Mundu” in 1996 and “Natural” in 2001. He was formerly part of the bands “Os Pecos,” “Ice,” and “Netinhos di Vóvó,” which also included Kim Alves, Albertino, and Dicki di Anu Nobo.

Though an avid admirer of Cesaria Evora, up-and-coming singer Neusa “Chris” Silva recently emerged with her debut album, Coracao Vagabundo, a blend of pop/zouk with hints of traditional sounds. Produced by Mr. Why in collaborations with Dua Pina, Humberto, Aleluia, Sousa and Eliseau, this album is definitely Chris’ first steps towards keeping traditional music alive. “It’s not that much different, although I am young, I intend to invest more in traditional music of my parents. I bring something different through Coladera, Terrachinha, and songs recorded in Portuguese,” she attests.

It is with these electric sounds and the combination of her attractive appeal, versatility, and romantic lyrics that Chris expects to allure an array of audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Using her luscious, melodious voice on harmonious tracks, Chris hopes to accomplish all this with the backing and guidance of enthusiastic Angolan musician and producer Mr. Why. “As an artist, she’s also very talented and focused on her music goals and she’s a young voice who has also great skills with Capeverdean traditional music,” says Mauro Matine of Impaktus Producoes, who also candidly reveals, “The traditional music is dying because new voices in this business do not like that kind of music because it is not commercial enough.”

Born of Capeverdean parents on the island of Santiago, Chris, 23, relocated to Portugal when she was 9 years-old with her parents and siblings. She discovered her voice and passion at a very young age as she took part in church choir and attended music contests and won every competition. Her breakthrough was when she was featured in Kating MC’s album. She would soon capture the attention of music producer, Mr. Why, who invited her to work on the song, “Nara,” included on Afro Dance 3 project.  The song was very successful in Cape Verde’s top charts.  She went on to participate in Perolas de Africa Project with “Ta Mexe,” another hit, which put her among the elite of Palop newcomers.

“In 2004, I recorded Sera amor ou Paixao (Is it love or passion) with Katinga MC.  This is also the opening track on my album. I had to record a new a version because I confess that my first experience was not a very good one. It was something rushed and I wasn’t prepared to do it. Today I don’t like listening to it, I’m embarrassed and that is why I felt obligated to record a new version. At the time, the anxiety and opportunity to record and see a dream come true spoke louder,” she admits.

Chris’ immediate plan is to continue her promotional tour.  She has already introduced the album in Portugal and in Angola in cities like Cabinda, Luanda and Lubango and in the provinces of Namibe and Benguela. “My goal is to explore my first album as much as possible. When I say explore it’s in the sense of working and participating in concerts for which I am invited to. The most important thing to me is for the public to know the album so they can get to know me and my name sticks in the market.”

Focused on making a name for herself, Chris took her sweet tunes to her homeland, Cape Verde, this past October. “My plan at the moment is to complete what I am doing (promotional tour). Although the songs have been playing there for a while, it is always important to show up so that the public gets to know me a little better. In the long term I intend to work even more, and continue my singing lessons because I still feel as though I have a lot to learn.”

Before she walks on the Barefoot Diva’s footsteps and as she develops her musical career, Chris is determined to help carry on the music of Cape Verde. “I hope they enjoy my music for the mesh of so many rhythms, and I hope the constructive criticism that comes along will help me better my work,” she says humbly.

Lura will then take off to Wisconsin, where she is scheduled to perform at La Fête de Marquette in Madison on July 11th and Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua in Washburn on July 12th.  Also included on her tour city-stops are Dakota Jazz Club in Minneapolis, MN, July 13, Colorado Music Festival, in Boulder, July 14, the Artown Festival in Wingfield Park, Reno, NV, July 15, and California’s World Fest in Grass Valley, July 18. 

Lura is scheduled to perform at the Showcase Live, a music venue inside the Patriot Place in Foxboro, MA, on July 19th, and the City Winery, New York City, on July 21st.

Born in Portugal from Capeverdean parents, Lura recently released her fifth album—“Eclipse,” named after a song originally penned by B.Leza, and track four on her disc.   Other compositions by remarkable musicians such as Mário Lucio, Orlando Pantera, Teófilo Chantre, Toy Vieira, and Valdemiro Ferreira complete the singer’s collection of new memorable songs, like Libramor, Marinhêro, Quebród Nem Djosa, Na Nha Rubera, Orfelino, and Sukundida.

This festival will feature thousands of artists from Africa and the African diaspora, Brazil and even the United States. According to Algerian Minister of Culture, Khalida Toumi, 48 countries have already confirmed their participations.

Among these participants are prominent African singers such as Warda El Djazairia, Youssou N’Dour, Amazigh Kateb, Selif Keita, Mory Kanté, Ait Menguellet, Cheb Khaled, Karim Ziad, and Zehouania among others.

This event is taking place in the North African country 40 years after it hosted the first edition. It will showcase a wide spectrum of African cultural heritage from all parts of the continent, including music, dance, theatre, literature, film, photography, painting, sculpture, fashion, and other visual arts and crafts.

Algeria, which currently holds the rotating presidency of the African culture ministers' conference, has expressed the hope to have the Pan-African Cultural Festival scheduled more frequently through the African Union.

Scheduled to perform at this annual music event are Beto Dias, Elísio, Ferro Gaita, Gilyto, Heavy H and band, Juary Livramento, Kaysha, Mica Mendes, Phillipe Monteiro, Rapaz Sem Juiz, Splash, and TC.  Deejays S. and Ivanilson will be spinning records for the audience.

An initiative of Cape Verde’s national beer company, Strela--produced by the Capeverdean Society of Beer and Soft Drinks, was officially launched in 2006, and commemorated with performances from Ferro Gaita, Phillipe Monteiro, Dudu Araujo, Splash, Heavy H & Samira, Nichols, Jamice and Marcia.

This year’s extensive lineup includes performances by Chachi (07/10) and nine-year old guitarist Noah Andrade (07/11).  Others scheduled to perform are, Lee Wilson, Marc Cary Trio, Fairhaven, Fat Joe, Noreaga, Ron Browz, Wunmi, Claudia Acuna, Joe Cartagena, Ween, En Vogue, Tevellus, Dani Danger, L-Ski, Spogga, Los Sugar Kings, Alyssa Graham, Edwin Pabon, Marden Famous, Paul Michael, Noble Society, Santa Mamba, etc.  

Sound Session is a week-long music event organized by the Providence Black Repertory Company, a nonprofit aiming to bring together the city’s diverse cultural communities by   featuring a variety of musical styles such as, rock, funk, samba, soul, jazz, Latin, hip hop, reggae, Afro-Caribbean, salsa, blues, Capeverdean, R&B, Salsa, Spoken Word, Hip Hop, Roots, Swing, Mediterranean, culminating into one large Carnival parade throughout the city.

This year’s Sound Session also welcomes the annual Capeverdean Independence Day (July 5th) festivities in India Point Park, where traditionally thousands of Capeverdeans from around the country gather for a full day of all things Capeverdean, from live music to arts & crafts and traditional dishes. 

For more details on performers, shows times, tickets and venues, please visit http://www.blackrep.org/soundsession_05/schedule.html.

Diva, who made the trip from Mindelo, Cape Verde, will also headline a concert in the city of Kissimmee (Florida) inside Teresa’s Bar & Grill, on July 11th. 

Known for her exceedingly grave vocals and unique bluesy singing style, Diva has performed at prestigious music events such as Festival Baia das Gatas--Cape Verde’s largest music showcase of both Capeverdean and International artists, and Festival Sete Sóis, Sete Luas in Italy.  Her most recent performances in North America took place in the summer of 2008.

For tickets ($20 in advance, $25 at the doors) please contact CV Entertainment/Pis at 401-580-2650.

The King of Pop collapsed at his residence in the Holmby Hills section of Los Angeles, California, about noon Pacific Time, suffering cardiac arrest, said his brother Germaine during a press conference inside the hospital.

"Michael Jackson made culture accept a person of color. To say an 'icon' would only give these young people in Harlem a fraction of what he was. He was a historic figure that people will measure music and the industry by," said Rev. Al Sharpton during a press conference outside the Apollo Theater in New York.

Michael rose to fame as the lead singer of the Jackson 5, a band he formed with his brothers (Randy, Tito, Germaine, and Marlon) in the late 1960s. Later, as a solo artist, Michael topped the pop charts with hit songs from the album "Off the Wall," including "Rock With You" and "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough."

His 1982 release "Thriller" featured nine top ten tracks. He then released "Bad" in 1987, "Dangerous" in 1991, "HIStory" (a two-CD greatest hits) in 1995, and “Invincible” in 2001.
He was scheduled to start a comeback tour on July 8th in London, England. He initially announced 10 shows but the number of concerts was later increased to 50, which have all been sold-out.
Michael is survived by his three children, Prince Michael I, Paris and Prince Michael II.

Following the release, Gilyto, who also plans to tour the U.S. next September, will embark on a series of scheduled concerts in support of the new album.  His upcoming tour stops include A Sela in Pinhal Novo, Portugal, on 07/09, Festival Nhu Santiago in Cape Verde on 07/17-18, Salon Mongroze in Paris, France, on 07/31st, Lisbon’s Soul Club in Alcantara, Portugal, on 08/01, Crazy Bull in Albufeira-Algarve, on 08/08, Paço de Arcos, Portugal, on 08/29, and Montcara Morabeza in Madrid, Spain, on 09/05.

Gilyto’s U.S. tour thus far comprises of live performances in New York’s Lava Gina on 09/11, Tamboo in Brockton (MA) on 09/12, and CV ASC in Bridgeport, CT, on 09/19.

Dubbed Mr. Entertainer due to his trademark stage performances, Gilyto’s unique style--up-tempo Funaná sprinkled with Zouk/Kizomba/Pop--is showcased in his most recent works, “Diamante Africana” (2005), “Traduson pa Tradison” (2006) and “Live@Luxembourg,” (2008).

Scheduled to perform are Capeverdean artists such as Cesaria Evora, Nancy Vieira, Splash, Naldine Fortes, Vasco Martins, as well as Bau, Voginha and Hernani Almeida who will back certain singers. Also expected to return are Constantino Cardoso, Vlu, Sãozinha Fonseca, Gardenia Benros, Kings and Tam Tam 2000 who have been away from the stages for a long time.

As usual, the festival will welcome a sizable contingent of foreign artists such as So Para Contrariar and Yuri da Cunha (Brazil), Mattew Lee (Italy), Face à Face (Caribbean), and Antony B (Jamaica). More performers are expected to be added to this list.

Festival Baia das Gatas is Cape Verde’s largest music festival, taking place every summer during the first full moon weekend of August.  It has been estimated that more than 160.000 spectators (more than the island’s population) make the trip to São Vicente, camping out at Baia das Gatas--a large white-sanded beach for three days of nonstop music.

Mayra, who just released “Storia Storia” last May is scheduled to perform in New York’s well-known free performing arts festival held annually in Central Park.  SummerStage is internationally known for bringing renowned talent from different parts of the world through a series of culturally diverse programs ranging from music to dance, word, film and comedy.

Mayra Andrade joins Yannick Noah and Coralie Clément on June 21, 2009, representing the diversity of French Contemporary Music.  Presented in association with the Cultural Services of the French Embassy, the concert is a result of a collaboration with the global francophone community in celebrating French song.
 
Also, scheduled to perform during SummerStage Indingo Girls, Matt Nathanson (06/16), Ziggy Marley, The Expendables (06/25), Jazz vocalists Ledisi, Esperanza Spalding and pianist Jonathan Batiste (06/28), Explosions in the Sky, Constantines, and Castanets (06/30).

Now in its 20th edition Central Park SummerStage displays performances of outstanding artistic quality, free of charge, to serve the diverse communities of New York City.  The artists epitomize an array of genres and cultures, performing in an outdoor setting accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds.  The festival strives to develop audiences’ appreciation for rising artists and as their communities.

Musically directed by Rufino “Bau” Almeida, “Love, Sea and Music” features top-notch musicians such as Hernani Almeida, Paulino Vieira, Miroca, Cau Paris and Tchenta Neves.  The 13-track album, which is slated for a U.S. release and promotional tour in the fall, brings in an array of composers like, Betú, Constantino Cardoso, Teófilo Chantre, Jorge Humberto, Dionisio Maio, Manuel D’Novas, Morgadinho, Eugénio Tavares and Vlú.

Raised amidst a family of musicians Fantcha, whose rise to fame came in 1988 when she performed alongside Cesaria Evora in the United States, has previously released “Criolinha” (1997) and “Viva Mindelo” (2000).

The newly released album “I am Eddy Parker” was recently posted on the artist’s web site, www.EddyParkerOnline.com, where it remains available for download free of charge.

The album mixes Hip Hop, Pop, Zouk, Funk, and Rock over 17 tracks like, Get Familiar, Music, Brainwaves, Skateboard, Billion & Dream, Beyond Expectation, Watch Me, Explore, Pop Quiz, Swagger, Tips & Tricks, A Philly, N.Y. N.Y., I’m EP, Creu, Watch me good, and Chato.

The CD also boasts collaborations from Netherlands-based singers Chelsy Shantel, Nelson Freitas, Adison, William, Loony Johnson, DJ Superior, Meer, British Rock band Muse, and Buddha Monk (Wu Tang Clan).

This is the first release through the artist’s web site and new company EP Enterprise.  He recently shared the stage with Nelson Freitas and William inside Club Palace in Groningen, Holland.

The first of a series of three, "Capo Verde terra d'amore, vol. 1" features 12 tracks interpreted and made famous by singer Cesaria Evora and singer/songwriter Teófilo Chantre.

In addition to Cesaria and Teófilo, several renowned Italian singers have lent their voice to this record, among them Gianni Morandi, Ornella Vanoni, Eugenio Bennato, Patrizia Laquidara, Antonella Ruggero and Grazia di Michele.

Born from a project by Alberto Zeppieri, "Capo Verde terra d'amore, vol. 1" is produced by the non-profit cultural organization, Numar Un from Udine, in collaboration with France-based label Lusafrica.

The proceeds from the sale of this record will be donated to humanitarian charities such as the World Food Program.

Sodade: How were you approached on working with Dany Silva?

Barry Marshall: I was touring Portugal in August of 2005 with American singer Philip Hamilton. On one of our nights off, our drummer, Zeze N’Gambi (who was also playing with Dany) took me to see Dany and Tito Paris at the Casa da Morna in Lisbon. It was like walking into a club in Chicago in the mid 1950s and seeing Howling Wolf and Muddy Waters! Like, how could I not know about guys this great? I talked to Dany and asked if I could buy a CD, and he said that he didn’t have any because his albums were out of print now. So, I immediately said, “Why don’t we make a new album?” And it went from there. Three years later, one album is out and happening and we are working on two more.

S: What was the impetus behind this album and how did it develop?

BM: Dany and I were what we musicians call “simpatico” from the start. We decided to work on his new songs first, and then work on doing new versions of some of his previous hits along with songs that he loves to sing form Angola, Cape Verde, etc… Two of the important supporters of the project were the school I teach, The New England Institute of Art, and Rui Veloso with his studio at Vale de Lobos in Portugal. We started the recording at the Naked Ear Studios at the school, and did much of it at Rui’s studio. I don’t think we could have done it without both of these party’s support and help.
 
S: What kind of suggestions, if any, were you given in terms of sounds prior to starting recording?

BM: I worked with Dany in preproduction for several days prior to recording, and I also immersed myself in Capeverdean and Portuguese music for several weeks. I couldn’t become any kind of “expert” in it, but I felt that I needed to know the traditions of the music and where they came from, and with Dany’s help I became at least familiar with the instrumentation, rhythms and song forms of the music. I think as a producer, I needed to know the traditions and “rules,” so to speak, of the genre in order to know which aspects of the traditions we had to follow, and which we could stretch (or even break) in order to make a unique sound for Dany.

S: Since Dany was the first Capeverdean artist you worked with, how you would describe this experience, as a musician and producer?

BM: Some of the approach for me was the same as any artist that I work with, given the parameters of starting with preproduction and then the order of tracking songs in the studio. But every day was both creatively exciting (as a producer) and a learning experience (as a musician).

S: Are you happy enough with this album that you are thinking about recording again with Dany? If yes, what would be the concept?

BM: We are working on at least two more albums, and we are probably 75% finished with them. One is an album of Dany’s hits and other favorite songs rerecorded. The other is a Duets album with Dany singing with great Portuguese and Capeverdean singers like Rui Veloso, Tito Paris, Paulo de Carvalho, and Nancy Vieira, etc… We hope to have them out by the Fall of 2009.

S: Apart from your connection with Dany Silva, your resume has an impressive list on names: LaVern Baker, Linda Hopkins, Peter Wolf, Aimee Mann, the Irresponsibles, and Philip Hamilton etc... In addition to your performing credits, you are also Full-time faculty, Associate Professor, Audio & Media Technology/Audio Producer, performer, and head of Naked Ear Records. How do you find the time to wear so many hats?

BM: I hustle my butt off. Seriously, but I love nearly every bit of it. I also prioritize pretty well.

S: What else are you working on, musically, right now?

BM: I am working on an all-vocal album with Philip Hamilton. I finished an album this past summer with Latin Jazz vocalist, Eleonora Bianchini, and I am co-producing, with students, a Rock album with Boston band, The Montgomerys, for The New England Institute of Art’s Naked Ear Records. I will also start an album soon with Oscar Stagnaro’s Jazz Trio, and finish another Gospel album with Rev. Lee Mitchell.

S: You attended University of Massachusetts of Boston and Argosy University, but you were also the winner of Musician magazine's Best Unsigned Band Contest award and you have written songs for feature films. How did this aspect of your education compare with the stuff you learned in the streets of Boston?

BM: I was actually a Psychology major in college, and in over thirty years in the music business, I was never asked once if I even went to college! But it sure was helpful to me as a Producer, because half the job is psychology and getting the best performance and recording that you can. It also prepared me for the third phase of my career (gigging and producing being the first two), teaching. So my Masters Degree is in Education. So all of that is important, but equally important is what you learn on the streets and on stage and in rehearsal and in the studio.

S: How does collaborating with LaVern Baker and Peter Wolf differ from, say, collaborating with Dany?

BM: My role with LaVern was as both Musical Director and Producer, so I had to hire (and occasionally fire) musicians and act as band leader, both in the studio and on the road. I also wrote some of the songs and did most of the arranging. With Dany, He has most of the arrangements together, and he usually hires the musicians, although when we recorded here at The New England Institute of Art, I hired Djim Djob, Kalú Monteiro and Claudio Ramos. I don’t really play a role in his live show, although maybe I will play some percussion and sing backup sometime.

The Capeverdean crooner joins a prestigious array of performers scheduled to step on stage at Nuits du Sud, such as Bajofondo (Uruguay/Argentina), Gilberto Gil (Brazil), Yuri Buenaventura (Columbia), Laxula (Spain), DJ Shantel (Germany), Milton Nascimento and the Belmondo Brothers (Brazil/France), Alpha Blondy (Ivory Coast), Kassav (France), Novalima (Peru), Amadou & Mariam (Mali), Pascale Picard Band (Canada), Grand Cords Malade (France), Terez Montcalm (Canada), Kahled (Algeria), Roy Paci & Aretuska (Italy).

Lura, who is also scheduled to perform in the upcoming Festival White Nights of Karelia (June 10th), is currently touring Europe in support of her new album “Eclipse.” 

Artists like, Angélique Kidjo (Benin), Vanessa da Mata (Brazil), and Salif Keita (Mali) all performed in Nuits du Sud in 2008, when an overwhelming 55,000 people attended the four-week long music festival.

The album, which was recorded in Praia’s Kapital Studio by Zunga Pinheiro, features an array of traditional styles, such as Talaia Baxu, Braga Maria, Bandera, Coladera, Morna, Mazurka and Funaná.  “Nhó Nani” was produced by Hernani Almeida, who lent his guitar riffs, and with collaborations from N’Dú (bass), Mané Calote (guitar), and Valter Cardoso (ukulele).

The violinist has performed in the archipelago’s many music festivals, as well as in Angola, France, Portugal, Spain, and United States.  Born Eduardo José Barros in Angola, Nhó Nani grew up in the island of Fogo, where he learned to play the guitar and ukulele before finally fixating on the violin thirty years ago.

Q: Who teaches at this school?
E: Myself and Duran, who is part of the military band. There are other musicians who volunteer here and there.
 
Q: How many students do you have and how old are they?
E: I currently have 14 students between 16 and 26 years-old (12 boys and two girls). The idea is to expand, bring more students to the school next year. I want the current group to take over and become teachers and mentors to the new students.

Q: What kind of instruments are you teaching them to play?
E: We are just teaching them those instruments Ferro Gaita uses such as the accordion, drums, guitar etc…We are also teaching them to sing, create music and how to act on stage. It is important that they learn different theories so they can create their own music. That’s why we want to bring in more teachers, musicians to teach them to play more instruments.

Q: I understand that you are about to release a project. Could you talk about it?
E: We are about to release two singles and a DVD, which will include a music video. We started working on this project since last October. Among those 14 students, only six were part of the band, which we named Gaita Ferro. These six kids, who are further ahead musically, played all the instruments and recorded live in the studio. I just coordinated the project and composed one song. Another student composed the other track. We just finished recording and we’ll start filming the video as soon as I get back to Cape Verde. The goal is to release a full-length album next year. This is a way to remunerate these kids.

Q: What is the objective behind this project?
E: My main objective is to introduce my school and its talented students. It has been very difficult but exciting for all of us.  These students are given the opportunity to play music. Gaita Ferro has already performed in several venues and events in Cape Verde. They are invited to perform during Gamboa Festival on May 23rd.

Q: In a way you are keeping some of them away from the streets and trouble.
E: Exactly. We teach from Monday through Friday from 4 pm until 7 pm. They are focused, determined, and very consistent. We don’t have to run after them, they just come. Kids are getting in trouble for different reasons but this a great opportunity they have to do something positive for themselves.

Q: You talked about difficulty/obstacles you have encountered. What kinds of support have you received and who are the people helping you?
E: We just have the support from some of my friends who are also musicians. They come to the school to do different workshops. We have musicians such as Russo, Kim Alves, Dicki Tavares, and Zunga Pinheiro who have been supportive. We also have Gugas Veiga who takes care of the management side of the project.

Q: What kind of help are you looking for?
E: We need a lot of instruments, especially since we want to expand the school. Instruments are very expensive to buy and also to ship to Cape Verde. We also need a bigger, more comfortable space. Right now, we have a place inside Parque 5 de Julho in Praia but soon it will too small.

Q: Has anybody from the government or other organizations in Cape Verde contacted you to offer their support?
E: Officially, not at all. But people know about the school and its goals. I have heard from several individuals who congratulated me but so far I have not received anything.

-If you wish to participate in this project or donate musical instruments to Eduino and his students, please send us an e-mail to editor@sodadeonline.com. Eduino’s goal is to help nurture young kids, often at-risk and disadvantaged ones wishing to explore their hidden Musical Talents.

Produced by Djim Job, Kalu Monteiro and Danny Luchansky, the new album features songs, like Nos Paraiso, Mundo Malvado, Funana ca tem frontera, Nha Vazio, Cabinda a Cunene, Fragilamor, Amanha, Reggadera, Djam Crebu Ma N’ Ca Ta Frabu, No Continua, and Tabanka di Txada Grandi.

Currently on tour in support of the new album, the singer is scheduled to perform in Burlington, Vermont, on 05/21 at the Higher Ground, followed by Boston, MA, on 05/22 at Cesaria’s Restaurant,  Swansea, MA on 05/23 at the Venus de Millo, Joe’s Pub in New York City on 05/24, Felton, Calif. on 05/26 at Don Queixote’s, Oakland, Calif. on 05/27, Seattle, WA, at the Triple Door on 05/28, San Francisco, Calif. on 05/29, and in Big Sur Spirit Garden, Calif. on 05/30.

Maria will also appear in Guadeloupe’s Festival Des Voix Sacrées (Baie Mahault) on 06/26, Forchheim, Germany’s Afrika Kulturtage, on 07/04, Moorbad Harbach, Austria, Kasumama Festival on 07/10, Montreal’s Kola Note on 07/18 and Calgary, AB, Canada, Afrikadev, on 08/08.

Born in Senegal from Capeverdean parents, Maria previously released the albums “Nha Mundo” (My World, 2003) and “Dança ma mim” (Dance with me, 2005).  Her repertoire is an arsenal of songs of varying styles, ranging from melancholic Morna, to upbeat Funaná and lush Latin melodies.

“I am eager to arrive in Venezuela. I want to know the country and the people who have been waiting for me for a long time,” Cesaria told CadenaGlobal.com (article published on 5/12/09), assuring that her show will include traditional music of Cape Verde, mostly songs from the 1960s. 
Cesaria, who is currently on a promotional tour in support of her new record “Radio Mindelo,” and her seven-piece band will perform inside Teatro Teresa Carreño on Friday, May 29th, 2009.

According to CadenaGlobal.com, President Chavez has requested a meeting with the Barefoot Diva at his presidential Palace (Palácio Presidencial de Miraflores). This information was confirmed by the concert promoter, said CadenaGlobal.com.

 “I won’t ask anything to President Chavez but if he gives me something I will accept it with great honor. I have my Association (in Cape Verde) which teaches kids the value of music through singing and interpretation. I want to show him this project and perhaps we’ll do something with it.”

After Venezuela, Cesaria will remain in South America until June 7th. During her stay, she will perform in Colombia (Medellin on May 31st, Bogota on June 2nd), Argentina (Buenos Aires on 6/4th), and Chile (Santiago de Chile on 6/7th).

A star in his own right in his native country, Novellas got the opportunity to perfect his music abroad in Portugal (2002), through a scholarship. He studied classical singing and guitar at the Academia de Musica Eborense and later at Universidade de Musica de Evora. Classical music certainly became an important asset to his musical development, but Novellas admits that it did not help him create the styles and sounds of New Dawn-Ku Khata. “Maybe it will on my next albums,” he said.
 
Mixing crafty African sounds, inspired by the likes of Ismaël lo, Salif Keita, and Fela Kuti, with ricochets of blues, funk, jazz, Latin and Brazilian music, Novellas, who has relocated to the Netherlands, is obviously reaching for something very high. While he explores new sonorities and shows audacity to make dangerous leaps, Novellas is clearly pleased with the outcome, especially the warm accolades he has received on the road. “People just love my music; I mean people love my music all over the world.  I can tell my music has something that will touch every human, even me. We need to tour worldwide and for all kinds of audience,” said Novellas.

Boasting a mixture of Suzanna’s trademark Zouk and Latin influences, sprinkled with R&B, Bachata, and Batuku, the CD, which according to the label has hit shelves in the Benelux, France and Portugal, will soon be available for sale in North America and African countries. And as a special treat the American version will also include the album Saida, Suzanna’s 2008 release.

Festa Mascarado counted with the participation of an eclectic group of collaborators, including The Heavy Weights (who previously worked with R&B star Ne-Yo), Rafael Payan, Ronald Rubinel, Marcos Fernandez, Nellson Klasszik, Adalberto Lopes and Denis Graça.

The singer, who wrote most of the songs on the album, also co-created Friends, based on a composition by the late Lisa Left Eye Lopes’ of American band, TLC, with the support of the Lisa Lopes Foundation—an entity dedicated to providing neglected and abandoned youth with the resources necessary to increase their quality of life.

In support of the new album, Suzanna is scheduled to perform in Dakar, Senegal, on 06/6, before returning home to Netherlands for concerts at the Rainpark Festival, Dordrecht, on 06/14, Festival Mundial, Tilburg, on 06/21, at Wereldfeest, Utrecht, on 06/28, and Lucent Danstheater, The Hague, on 07/4.

Suzanna, a previous recipient of the prestigious Kora All African Music Awards (2003) for Best African Female Artist and Best Video, easily reigned as one Cape Verde’s top female voices.  She is known for releasing chart-toppers like, Sem Bo Nes Mund (1997), Fofo (1999), and Tudo Pa Bo (2003).

The six-piece band--Eduino (accordion, vocals), Bino (vocals), Adão (bass), Jorge Pimpa (drums), Manel di Tilina (percussions) and Pito (cowbell/buzio)--will introduce its trademark, high energy style--Funaná, Batuku, and Tabanka--amply flaunted on the newly released album, “Cidade Velha.”

Ferro Gaita, which recently concluded its European Tour with performances in Portugal, Holland, and Luxembourg, is also scheduled to appear at Patriot’s Place (Showcase Live) in Foxborough, MA, on Saturday, May 16th.

Nestled in the shadows of the White Mountains, Stone Mountain Arts Center, owned by Carol Noonan, a national recording artist and singer songwriter, who has toured nationally and recorded three albums for the Rounder Record label, and Jeff Flagg, has welcomed artists such as Lucinda Williams, Bela Fleck, the Indigo Girls, and Mavis Staples.

Founded in 1996, Ferro Gaita previously released chart-toppers such as “Rei di Funana,” (2001), “Bandera Liberdade,” (2003) and “Finkadu na Raiz” (2006).

The singer, who last week performed in Amsterdam, (05/06), and Belgium, (05/08-09), is receiving many accolades for her performances.  Charlie Gillett of BBC radio recently noted that he was blown away by one of her concerts at the Barbican-London: “I was bowled over by Sara, having already been bedazzled by her guitar playing during a session recorded for World on 3.”

“From what I understand they were going to Timbuktu and decided they wanted to meet (singer) Cesaria Evora so they stopped in Cape Verde during their return,” said Ferreira. First, they landed in Praia and then they got the proper authorization to land in Sao Vicente. There a cultural delegation prepared to give them an official welcome. A dinner was organized. But it wasn’t just Jimmy Buffet. There was Tom Preston, the founder of MTV, Bill Flanagan who is the vice-president of VH-1 New York, and Chris Blackwell, who is a well-known musical figure from England and was a co-producer of Bob Marley, among a few other notables.’’

There was a hitch, though. Cesaria never descended from her sanctuary to meet the Westerners at her front door but Buffett and his friends remained undeterred. Buffett, already familiar with other artists from Cape Verde, wanted to check out the local talent. “Many of the best musicians from São Vicente were invited to come out and perform at this dinner and it was a great success,” said Ferreira. “After the dinner, we went back to Mindelo Hotel for a jam session. It was highly improvised but now Jimmy Buffet himself sat in. That’s where I performed. So that’s where it began.”’’

Veteran Chico Serra, Tey, who plays percussion for Cesaria, guitarist-producer Hernani Almeida, U.S.-based guitar player Cesar Lima and others, all were on stage. But, it was the handsome and charismatic Ferreira who seemed to grab Buffett’s attention. Enter Jimmy Buffett: “I’ve got to tell you it is a real interesting story,” he said recently on a call from Jamaica. “I’ve always wanted to go to Cape Verde. I love Cesaria Evora and Tito Paris and other musicians from there. I actually stopped there once to refuel on the way back from South Africa. But this time we were coming from Bamako (Mali) from the Concert in the Dessert and decided to stop in.”’
’
Buffett, a native of Pascagoula, Mississippi, has recorded more than 40 albums and with his Coral Reefer Band is revered by legions. Widely known for his philanthropy, his business interests are far and wide. He is the owner of the Magaritaville Café and Cheeseburger in Paradise restaurants, combined with tours and album sales his enterprise is estimated to gross $100 million a year.

Great Public Persona

While the process and handling of Ferreira has been methodical, Buffett said that his team is still in the process of figuring out just how to market him, especially in this difficult economic context. “We made a commitment to him at a very difficult time,” he said. “I don’t know how we are going to proceed. We are kind of quietly moving along in an unorthodox way. We think he can appeal some to my audience. Then there’s the Capeverdean audience and because of his time spent in Brazil there might be an audience there. But it’s time to go back to the minor leagues. He’ll have to do the small clubs and such to build his audience and his name. It will be great for people to see him and to let him build on that. We are not in a hurry. I hope it works. He’s a humble guy and a hard worker so there is so much in his favor.””
      
Ferreira recently became acquainted with his band members whom he met at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. He hopes this project inspires other Capeverdeans to dream and look beyond their immediate surroundings.
 
“It’s on the road to becoming a reality,” he said. “I have no doubts on the planning and strategies so far. There is a tremendous investment in this album. Jimmy has spared no expense to do this project correctly. We recorded in Nashville in the best studio with some of the great musicians in the city. The bassist on the project there played with Dire Straits and the pianist was Bill Payne who played with Pink Floyd. So that gives you an idea of what was going on. We worked to produce a highly successful album,” he said. “When it is finished and released, I think it has the chance to produce a shock in Cape Verde waking up the public to value what is ours in terms of talent and potential. We can’t always shorten our horizons by solely focusing on the things that we have done and created and not reaching out to try new things.”” ’’
 
Unwitting Role

Speaking on behalf of Cesaria Evora’s role in this fairy tale, Ferreira said the normally-hospitable Cesaria apparently wasn’t in the mood to host people at the time they showed up. But given her committed support of Capeverdean musicians, she’s probably thrilled at Ferreira’s chance.

“From what I heard, they went to Cesaria’s home and got in,” said Ferreira. “But Cesaria never came downstairs to greet them maybe because she was ill. I believe that if Cesaria really knew who it was who came to see her, she would have come downstairs. I’m sure she was tired. If she greets every person who goes to her home to meet her, she wouldn’t have a life. She returns to Cape Verde to rest after her tours that are just exhausting. So I think that’s what happened.””

Perched on the precipice of potential stardom, Ferreira said his life is coming full circle. “I lived in Brazil for six years and made some great friends,” he said. “It was an excellent phase of my life. I got a degree in mechanical engineering at the University of São Paulo at the campus of São Carlos. I never thought of becoming a professional musician. My plan was to become an airplane pilot. So I turned to engineering but I never abandoned my dream of piloting. Additionally, while I was in Brazil, the feeling for music began increasing and that’s where I wrote most of my songs. That strengthened my feelings that I wanted music instead of being a pilot. So I started out gradually in Mindelo just to earn some spending money. From there I kept on playing until I met Jimmy Buffett.

It now appears Buffett won’t rest until he meets Cesaria Evora, which he said could come real soon. “I went to see her at her house but she wouldn’t come downstairs,” he said. “But they did let us see her records and awards and such. I guess she wasn’t feeling well. But we just recently learned that she is going to do a private party in St. Bart’s (in the Caribbean),” said Buffett, implying that the artist who loves the island life and who is known to do private parties of his own in that exclusive region just might crash the gate and get a private audience with the Barefoot Diva herself.

Produced by Grammy Award Winner (Latin) Alê Siqueira, who has worked with Chico César, Caetano Veloso, Bebel Gilberto and Tribalistas as well as producing albums for musicians from other countries, including Roberto Fonseca and Cheikh Lô, “Storia, Storia” was recorded in Brazil, Cuba, and France. The album also features music arrangements by Brazilian producer Jaques Morelenbaum who has worked with Cesaria Evora.

Mayra, who penned three songs on this record, recently featured on the albums "Ex-Combatentes" by Angolan singer Paulo Flores and “Within in my Walls” by Israeli band The Idan Raichel Project.

Mayra, who just started a new European Tour, debuted in May 2007 with “Navega” (Upon the Waves), which was named one of the top albums of the year in the London Times and reached Gold Record status in Portugal. Mayra has also received the prestigious Preis der Deutschen Schallplattenkritik (German Record Critics Award) as well as BBC Radio 3 World Music Awards in the category of Best Newcomer.

Also scheduled to celebrate on stage with Beto are special guest Portugal-based singer Gama as well as local artists Nos Manera, Victor, and Dilly.

Recorded in Holland (at Studio Danilo T) and Cape Verde (by Dabs Lopes), “Totalmente di Bo” features 10 tracks produced by the likes of Danilo Tavares, Djoy Delgado, Jorge do Rosario, and Dabs Lopes.

“Totalmente di Bo,” executively produced by Beto Dias, is a reflection of Beto’s musical style, which is a mixture of Zouk, up-tempo Funana, Coladera, and trademark slow jams.

Beto, who recently launched this album in Cape Verde, surrounds himself with an impressive array of musicians such as Johnny Fonseca, Toy Avelino, Kako Alves, David Blameble as well as singers like Milena Tavares, Roger, Nhone Lima, Lily Spencer, Dilara Spencer, Leo, and Marlene Fortes with whom he duets on Sólido.

Formerly the frontman of the band Os Rabelados, Beto has released several hit records including his debut “Sodade,” “Nos 2,” “Quase Perfeito” and his “Best Of.”

Jorge Humberto was scheduled to perform at the Bisca Club in New Bedford, MA, on May 1st, followed by Rosinha Restaurant in Pawtucket, RI, on May 2nd, Restaurante Cesaria in Dorchester, MA, on May 3rd, and Luanda in Brockton, MA, on May 16th. He is also scheduled to perform in New Jersey (dates and venues TBA).

Known as the poet of his native Mindelo (Cape Verde), Jorge Humberto, who is notorious for the use of metaphors and profound thinking, has released albums such as “Guenta” in 1992, “Mόiabo um Consolá,” in 1995, “Portexperimental” in 1998 and finally “Identidade” (Identity) in December 2004. He also provided many hit songs to singers such as Ana Firmino, Biús, Maria Alice, and Dudu Araujo.

Between April 25th and May 5th 2009, Vadú will be featured on some of Portugal’s premier television stations broadcast internationally in many parts of the world, such as RDP África, on April 28th & May 1st, RTP África (Radio & Television Portugal), also on April 28th, followed by SIC, on April 29th, and TVI on May 4th.

Backed by a five-piece band—Jair (percussions), Lúcio (bass), Rolando (guitar), Moisés (keyboard) and Mirocas Paris (drums), the singer is expected to perform at Fnac, Almada, on April 28th, FNAC Vasco da Gama and OndaJazz, on April 29th, Casa da Morna, Lisbon (sponsored by Tito Paris), on April 30th, FNAC Cascais, on May 1st, FNAC Alfragiade, on May 2nd, FNAC Chiado on May 3rd and FNAC do Colombo, on May 4th.

Born Osvaldo Furtado on the Santiago Island (Cape Verde) Vadú is known for his compelling songwriting chops, as well as his contribution to the recent revitalization of Batuku.

Jorge Humberto will begin his tour at the Bisca Club in New Bedford, MA, on May 1st, followed by Rosinha Restaurant in Pawtucket, RI, on May 2nd, Restaurante Cesaria in Dorchester, MA, on May 3rd, and Luanda in Brockton, MA, on May 16th. He is also scheduled to perform in New Jersey (dates and venues TBA).

Jorge Humberto, who is planning to record his new album during this trip, will be accompanied by a band, which includes musicians such as César Lima, Calú Lopes, George Da Rosa, Vává, Djosca, and a violinist (TBA).

Known as the poet of his native Mindelo (Cape Verde), Jorge Humberto, who is notorious for the use of metaphors and profound thinking, has released albums such as “Guenta” in 1992, “Mόiabo um Consolá,” in 1995, “Portexperimental” in 1998 and finally “Identidade” (Identity) in December 2004. He also provided many hit songs to singers such as Ana Firmino, Biús, Maria Alice, and Dudu Araujo.

The Paris-based singer, who recently appeared on one France’s premier television stations, Canal + , is currently touring Europe in support of “Mornador,” her third studio album.  Her tour stops include Grande Synte, Festival des Mondes Pluriels, on April 23rd, Guyancourt’s La Batterie, on May 15th, Montdorf-les-Bains during Festival des Saveurs Culturelles du Monde, on May 21st, Sevran’s Salle de Fêtes on May 29th, Bellaing’s Salle Germinal (with guest Teófilo Chantre) on June 5th, Chambery, Les Estivales du Château, on June 19th, Paris’ Cabaret Sauvage, Festival Black Summer, on July 9th, and Blois, Festival “Tous sur le Pont” (with Bernard Lavilliers) on July 10th.

Mariana is also expected to perform at Belleville sur Loire, Festival Val de Jazz, on July 23rd, Rochefort Festival Résonance, on July 25th, Nicosie (Chypre) Festival Ethnique, on July 27th, and Limassol (Chypre) (also Festival Ethnique) on July 28th.

Radio France International which is broadcast in 125 countries, boasts 580 partners and 46 million listeners scattered in parts of Africa, the Midwest, America, Europe, Asia, etc.

Born from Capeverdean parents in Senegal, Mariana’s eclectic style—she blends Capeverdean, Brazilian and Jazz—has captivated French audiences over the years, and with the release of albums “Di Dor En Or” (2000) and “Bibia” (2004).

Special guests guitarist/producer Hernani Almeida, who is the album’s music producer, as well as the dance ensemble Raiz Di Polon, will join Isa on stage. Nho Nani, a musician hailed from the island of Fogo, will be the opening act.

The album will also be introduced in São Vicente during another major show inside Centro Cultural do Mindelo on Saturday, April 25th.

Born in Lisbon, Portugal, amidst a family of musicians, Isa is one of the top young Capeverdean voices. She has performed in Italy, Brazil, and Portugal as well as in Cape Verde at the prestigious Festival of Baia das Gatas in São Vicente.

The 9-piece band—Sérgio Godinho, Vitorino & Janita Salomé (Portugal), Tito Paris (Cabo Verde), Filipe Mukenga (Angola), André Cabaço (Mozambique), Guto Pires (Guinea-Bissau), Juka (S. Tomé & Princípe), Madeira Júnior (Brazil)—is part of the lineup of performers taking the stage in the Cine-Theatre throughout the month of April.

The venue known for highlighting Classical Music, Jazz and theatrical performances will also feature Quarteto de Cordas, on April 15th, Jamime Mota, Margarida Margotto and Job Tomé, on April 18th.

Traditionally, the elements of Sons da Fala, who are all of African and Portuguese-speaking countries, perform in an uninterrupted concert during which the singers pair up and alternate with each other to perform others’ repertoires. 

Formed in 1994 per request of the Presidential Republic of Portugal to commemorate the popular June 10th (Day of Portugal) festivities, the band’s success was such that they went on to perform on prestigious stages like, Torre de Belém (1997), the Sony Plaza and Amphitheater Doca (Expo 98), Festival dos Oceanos, and others in Brazil, Portugal, and Mozambique, before finally recording the album, “Sons da Fala” (2007).

On May 8th, Ferro Gaita will perform at A&J Events 4 U in Kissimmee, Florida, followed by the S.O.B.’s in New York City, NY, on May 9th.

The band will then travelled to Maine where they are scheduled to debut at the Stone Mountain Arts Center in Brownfield on May 15th.  The highlight of this tour will be Ferro Gaita’s performance at Patriot’s Place (Showcase Live) in Foxborough, MA, on May 16th.

The six-piece band--Eduino (accordion, vocals), Bino (vocals), Adão (bass), Jorge Pimpa (drums), Manel di Tilina (percussions) and Pito (cowbell/buzio)--recently concluded its European Tour with performances in Portugal, Holland, and Luxembourg.

“Cidade Velha,” released in December 2008, is the band’s fourth studio album. It features Ferro’s Gaita’s trademark style-- Funaná, Batuku, and Tabanka. The songs are penned by Iduino, João Cerilo, Kim Alves, Felix Lopes, Nenas Rambo, Polito, and Ecio Cardoso.

This 16-track album fetches an array of rhythms, melodies, and inventive sounds, notably Morna, Coladera, Funana, Batuku, and Haitian Kompa, all performed by Antero and the likes of Tó Alves, Desiree, Sap, Miri Lobo, Eduino (Ferro Gaita), Grace Evora, Albertino Evora, Tito Paris, Magui Silva, Zéca Nha Reinalda, Beto Dias, Calu Bana, Djosinha, and Dany Silva among others.

Also part of Kriolo are distinctive musicians such as Mark Gonçalves, Carlos Matos, Kim Alves, Dicki di Ano Nobo, Zéca Couto, Claudio Ramos, Kalú Monteiro, Zé Rui de Pina, Cesar Lima, Tim Mayer, Gil Duarte, Panota, Voginha, Walter Platt, Jeff Galando, Bino Branco, Jorge Pimpa, and Adao Brito etc…

A native of Cape Verde, Antero Simas’ songs have been interpreted by some of the best Capeverdean singers, including Fantcha, Ildo Lobo, Zéquinha (Bulimundo), Cesaria Evora, and Miri Lobo etc…

The self-titled album, said to blend traditional Capeverdean styles with danceable rhythms and R&B, will feature at least three original compositions by Noah, while also paying homage to esteemed musicians/composers Katchas, Orlando Pantera, Djim Job and Kalu Monteiro.

Noah’s father/manager Joseph Andrade shares the production credits in the album alongside Kim Alves, Djim Job, and Klaudio Ramos.  The upcoming CD also boasts an extensive roster of guest collaborations, including Calu Bana, Djim Job, Grace Evora, Jacqui DaGraça, Johnny Fonseca, Kaku Alves, Kim Alves, Klaudio Ramos, KuKu, Nadia, and Tó Alves.

Born in the U.S. from Capeverdean parents, this gifted musician, who began playing the guitar at age six, has opened for the likes of Grace Evora (Black Repertory, Providence), Kim Alves (New York’s S.O.B.'s), Zé Rui Depina (Harlem Meer Festival, Central Park, NY), and Don Kikas (Cesaria’s, Boston).  In 2008 he formally introduced his repertoire to fans during Sound Session (Providence’s weeklong annual music festival).

The album projects Danae’s distinctive style and originality--she writes both the music and the lyrics, resulting from a thorough compilation of personal (written and experienced) images, words, stories, and their transformation to melodic sounds.

Surrounded by band “Os Novos Crioulos” (The New Creoles)—Johannes Krieger (trumpet), Danilo Silva (guitar), and Raimund Engelhardt (percussion)--the singer creates in this album an addictive atmosphere that relies on impeccable instrumentation, appealing vocals, and infectious melodies. 

Officially released in March, “Cafuca” is currently being introduced to the public on stages across Portugal.  On April 3rd 2009, Danae & Os Novos Crioulos are scheduled to perform inside Teatro Municipal de Portimão, followed by another show at FNAC music store in Braga (8 p.m.) and Grande Auditório Casa das Artes de Famalicão (10 p.m.), both on April 18th, Onda Jazz, on April 24th, and the C.C.Colombo, on April 25th.

Born in Cuba and raised in Cape Verde, Danae previously released “Condição de Louco” in 2007.

Executively produced by Beto Dias, “Totalmente di Bo,” his fifth solo album, features 10 tracks produced by the likes of Danilo Tavares, Djoy Delgado, Jorge do Rosario, and Dabs Lopes.

Recorded in Holland (at Studio Danilo T) and Cape Verde (by Dabs Lopes), “Totalmente di Bo” is a reflection of Beto’s musical style, which is a mixture of Zouk, up-tempo Funana, Coladera, and trademark slow jams.

Beto surrounds himself once again with an impressive array of musicians such as Johnny Fonseca, Toy Avelino, Kako Alves, David Blameble as well as singers like Milena Tavares, Roger, Nhone Lima, Lily Spencer, Dilara Spencer, Leo, and Marlene Fortes with whom he duets on Sólido.

Beto, who is currently in Cape Verde on a promotional tour, was the frontman of the band Os Rabelados with whom he released “Unidadi e Luta” in 1988 and “Sankuru” in 1998. As a solo artist, he has recorded several hit albums, including his debut “Sodade,” “Nos 2,” “Quase Perfeito” and his “Best Of.”

This fundraising event, entitled The Takeover Part One, will feature music, dance and poetry. Scheduled to perform are local artists such as Tem Blessed, Shokanti, 3rd World Entertainment (a Cambodian crew from Lowell), L.I.F.E. Crew (a slam poetry crew) and Indian comic Hari Kondabolu.

The event is co-sponsored by UMass Boston’s Asian-American Studies and Class ASAM St 345.

Founded in March 2008, Deported Diaspora’s main goal is to organize families and communities to fight and raise awareness of the United States deportation system through education, advocacy and art. The organization works to support reintegration programs by promoting new or existing projects of deported people in collaboration with governments and civil societies, starting in Cambodia and Cape Verde.

The show will start at 7:30 until 10:30 pm. $20 with Deported Diaspora Shirt and $10 regular. Free for UMass Boston’s students (with student ID).

The record, which is scheduled for release in April 2009, is a reflection of the newcomer’s personal take on her Capeverdean roots and the various traditional genres of music, also sprinkled with worldly influences that have shaped the music emerging from the archipelago over the years.

Under the musical direction of Hernani Almeida, who is also credited with arrangements and guitar, Isa counted with participation from notable musicians like Angolan percussionist Carlos N’Du, Voginha (guitar), Zéca Couto (accordion), and Adão Brito (bass).

The singer intends to formally introduce her project to the public in Praia, Cape Verde, during a yet to be scheduled event dedicated to the press, partners and sponsors, possibly in early April. 

Born in Lisbon, Portugal, in 1974 amidst a family of musicians, Isa has been testing the waters for some time through concerts in and outside of Cape Verde.  In 2008, she performed a track from the now upcoming album inside the BCA/Garantia Auditório in the city of Praia, where she was met with positive reviews.

A native of Brava, Cape Verde, Ivo Pires, who was an exceptional musician and craftsman, had a history of heart disease.

Despite his illness, Ivo continued to perform with his band and make instruments. His most recent performance was as an opening act for singer Mayra Andrade at Zeiterion Performing Arts Center in New Bedford, MA, on July 3rd, 2008 (during Capeverdean Recognition Week).

Ivo was the most in-demand violinist and bandleader on the Capeverdean party and wedding circuit. Ivo Pires and his Band were part of the compilation, “Sosabi: Cape Verdean Music From New England,” which was recorded live at The New England Capeverdean Folklife Festival in Boston, MA, on May 31 & June 1, 1996.

He came to the United States and settled in the New England area at the age of twenty-four. Ivo was employed at the Carl Fischer Company in Boston where he became known for his talent to repair string and wind instruments.

Ivo worked at the Boston String Instruments on Huntington Avenue in Boston for almost 40 years; thirty-one years as an employee and six years as an owner. His craftiness was appreciated by some of the world’s best instrumentalists, including for Yo-Yo Ma, the greatest cellist in the world, members of the Boston Symphony, and professors at New England Conservatory. Ivo retired due to health issues.

Equipped with an impressive roster of songwriters such as B. Leza (the composer behind Eclipse), Mario Lucio, co-collaborators Teofilo Chantre and band Kantango, Toy Vieira, and Valdemiro “Vlu” Ferreira, Lura’s fourth album under the tutelage of France-based music label Lusafrica, features songs like Queima Roupa, Canta um Tango, Um dia, Quebrod nem Djosa, Marinhero, Na nha Rubera and Sukundida. Once again Lura provides listeners with at least one track boasting her songwriting chops, in Maria.

Meanwhile, Lura’s on-going tour, which this past week took her to France, remains in full-swing, with multiple stops scheduled in Germany and Poland, beginning on Sunday, March 22nd in Berlin (Postbahnhof), followed by Theater an der Ruhr in Mulheim on March 23rd, the Pavillion in Hannover on March 25th, and Fabrik in Hamburg on March 26th.  

Lura is also expected to perform in Petrosavodsk, the city and capital of Karelia (June 10th 2009) during the Festival White Nights of Karelia, followed by Bialystok, Poland on June 19th, Dubrovnik, Croatia on July 3rd and Zabrze, Poland on July 5th 2009.

Born in Lisbon from Capeverdean parents, Lura previously released Nha Vida (1996) and In Love (2002). Coupled with powerful vocals, magnetic performances, and with an outstanding band led by pianist/composer Toy Vieira by her side, Lura soon became a coveted world music performer, releasing a critically-acclaimed album, Di Korpu Ku Alma (2004), which she later followed with M’bem di fora (2006).

Eclipse, which continues the singer’s in-depth investigation of Capeverdean culture and music, while also showcasing the global rhythms that have influenced her, was recorded in Brussels, Lisbon, Naples, Paris and Praia.

The band, which recently performed during the 26th Festival des Migrations des Cultures Et de la Citoyennete in Luxembourg (03/14/09), is scheduled to perform in Aveiro (Discoteca Axé Moi) on 03/20/09, and at the Voz do Operário and Soul Club in Lisbon on 03/21/09.

Also on the band’s planned tour stops are FNAC Alfragide on 03/22, FNAC Chiado on 03/24/09, FNAC Almada and Lisbon’s Armazém F on 03/27/09, and FNAC Colombo on 03/28/09 in Lisbon.

Ferro Gaita most recently released Cidade Velha, the band’s fourth studio album, fetching Funaná, Batuku, Tabanka and Talaia Baixo, with songs penned by Iduino, João Cerilo, Kim Alves, Felix Lopes, Nenas Rambo, Polito, and Ecio Cardoso.

Now we have some answers. The recent release of Radio Mindelo, a collection of Cesaria’s earliest recordings, has provided an answer to the mystery. In addition to widening Evora’s musical footprint and giving voice to a young talent that only previously existed in one’s imagination, there is now tangible proof of this extraordinary talent’s singing voice at roughly about voting age. Those who in their own way felt robbed by this enigma now know that vindication can be sweet.

The payoff comes in the form of 19 recordings (including Cize which has two alternate takes), recorded in the early 1960s when Cesaria was about 20 years old. Recorded on analog with one microphone to cover Evora’s voice and her backing musicians, the sound is reminiscent of another time in sound. Perhaps not quite the old jazz records of the 1930s and 40s but definitely from an earlier period.

With a basic musical accompaniment that gets the job done but is short on star power, the recordings put the emphasis straight away on Evora’s young voice that is filled with potential and sweetened by the spirit of youth and innocence. Her vocal range scaled the upper registers that the older, more, polished talent we grew to know could not have touched.

The joy and unabashed swing in her voice sounds more like a singer infatuated by the notion of entertaining and less of someone who was hoping to carve out a long and lucrative career. The compact disc itself comes in a hard-cover shell with a biography in three languages and some flattering photos of Evora. It also tells of the recordings, the times and the people who made it happen. Front and center was composer Ti Goy (Gregorio Gonçalves) who comes across as the driving force in young Evora’s life. The renowned composer put Evora at the center of almost everything he was doing musically.

That endorsement seemed to give her opportunities to sing for Mindelo’s elite, in official government gatherings that involved the Portuguese colonialists and for any ships that docked in Mindelo’s busy port. In terms of exposure, had Mindelo been Paris, New York or Rio de Janeiro, Evora’s probability of an early success would have almost been assured. The time also marked a significant development period for coladera, proudly introduced by legendary composer B. Leza and furthered by Ti Goy. While sparsely arranged with just guitar, cavaquinho and percussion on this recording, the coladera’s, nevertheless, possess that all-important swinging quality that makes one want to dance or at the least sing along.

The new release takes its name from the radio station, Radio Mindelo, which was founded in the mid-1950s. The station, looking for product to play, began recording local musicians and singers. But it ran into difficulties by being able to produce only record at a time at playback speed making it unprofitable and putting an end to the plan, according to the notes. Fortunately, as it relates to Evora, the recordings were done at all. But, did they, in the years that Evora was idle professionally, haunt her knowing that she had the evidence of her talent on tape that could have launched her career decades earlier?

Another vital element to this story is the people of Mindelo who participated in this recording. Despite their lack of economic resources, they managed to elevate their culture with an art form that has withstood the test of time.  One has to admire the creative and can-do spirit of this and earlier generations of the Capeverdeans of all islands who were crafting a culture despite the isolation, sacrifice and exceedingly limited natural resources that deprived them of a thriving economy.

Most of these songs, as mentioned earlier, have been re-recorded by Evora and played a huge role in her repertoire over the last two decades, albeit with modern arrangements, better technology and superior musicianship. But this record’s significance is about the past. About Capeverdean history and a bridge that linked musicians for several generations who along with the poets, intellectuals and others who made sure that the culture would be preserved.

The next question is “are there other recordings out there and financiers like LusAfrica’s” Jose da Silva, the force behind this project, willing to take the risk of bringing this music to the public?” It is wonderful to know that for all of the difficulties that Cesaria Evora experienced in her early life, there appear to be more and more things to smile about in her later life.

“The new album is 10 years in the making.  It will be a collection of songs, poems, thoughts and ideas.  It is more than just an album. It is the reward of years of hard work and dedication.  It will be as symbolic as a diploma when a child finishes school.  Once this is done I can pursue my musical masters’ degree and start extending my arms to the rest of the world,” reveals Chachi, who defines his style as “underground roots based tropical hip hop" from Cabo Verde's 11th island... Rhode Island.”

Chachi has been creating waves since the success of his 2007 song “Cape Verdean in America” part of the mix tape The Green CD. The song candidly projects the struggles many Capeverdeans endure while living in the United States.  He tirelessly continues to share his culture with the world while maintaining a connection with his roots. Chachi recently won BET’s 106 & Park Wild Out Wednesday hip-hop competition.  A proud moment for him as well as the many Capeverdeans who watched as Chachi represented Cape Verde on national television. “It felt empowering for me to be on television and proudly representing for my Capeverdean people.  It was my pleasure to show off the flag on my shirt. We are a proud people and I wanted to go on television and give some props to those who came before me and give some hope for those to come after me.”

His triumph landed Chachi a spot in the Wild Out Wednesday’ All Star Competition, which will take place on August 26th, 2008. “It was definitely an amazing experience. The fact that my whole community got behind me and voted for me was great.  But even greater was the fact that my parents, my grandfather, my daughter and all of my friends and family had the opportunity to watch me do what I do live on national television.  I always tell them that ‘I do it like I do it for TV,’ and now they believe me,” he assures. “As an artist Chachi is very versatile. He always has a message in his music and is able to have fans of all different ages and nationalities.  He also makes sure he represents his culture in anything he does,” says Deejan Therion.

There is certainly much to be expected as the Rhode Island-based rapper picks up momentum. This summer he hopes to bring his positive vibe and enthusiasm to Baia das Gatas Festival in São Vicente, Cape Verde. “I hope to bring my energy and positivity to the islands and show some of the youth what Hip-Hop is supposed to sound like.  No guns, no drugs, no thug life, no gimmicks. Just 100% pure Hip-Hop born and raised in the United States but the bloods of Capeverdean soldiers run through my veins forever.  When I come back, I plan on taking the smiles, the laughs, the hugs, the food, the smell, the songs, the love and the pain and turn them into a new collection of songs inspired by the islands and written by the new and improved Chachi.  The Capeverdean in America,” says Chachi, who recently toured Canada.

He speaks so profoundly of a land that his only knowledge has been through what his parents have told him.  Though, his love for a Cape Verde is so profound and his yearning to finally set foot in the land is immeasurable. This is where he hopes his next tour will take him; his very first trip to a home he has an immense connection and appreciation for. “I am really looking forward to touching down on the land that birthed my father and mother.  I feel that this trip will be a defining moment in my life.  I want to experience all of the islands but I feel a strong connection to the island of São Vicente.  I have been hearing stories about São Vicente since I was a little boy and they all have been good stories… really good stories.”

With his musical career in full swing, there is more to be heard from Chachi.  While he is looking forward to touring and establishing himself as a touring musician, Chachi has his insights into the business side of the music industry. “I want to sell a lot of music and merchandise online and on the road.  I am also working on a book of poems.  I want to dabble in the realm of spoken word.  I am a fan of the expression.  It’s both theatrical and energetic.  I think it would be a good look for me to perform a piece on DEF poetry jam, who knows. I am an independent artist so it is my job to create work with my works of art.  I guess since I don’t have anyone telling me what to do, I just do what comes naturally.  I move with the times and I am aware that time is a gift.  As long as God gives me a day to wake, I will have more music to make” he says. 

The film entitled “Dans tes Bras,” directed by Hubert Gillet, is among the movies recommended for the Cannes Film Festival, one of the world's oldest, most influential and prestigious film festivals alongside Venice and Berlin.

In this film, Mariana, who appears twice in a Jazz Club, plays herself and sings two of her own songs, “Vocaçao,” the opening track of her latest album, “Mornador,” and “Crépuscular Solidão,” which is penned by singer/songwriter Téofilo Chantre. These two songs will be featured on the movie soundtrack album.

Currently on a promotional tour in support of “Mornador,” Mariana has starred in Oyé Luna, a musical written by French author Richard Demarcy.  In Oyé Luna, the African version of a Brazilian originated tale told in Capeverdean, Portuguese and French, Mariana sings and dance.

Born in Dakar, Senegal, Mariana is the daughter of Toy Ramos, who was the guitarist of the legendary band Voz de Cabo Verde.  Known for her jazz-influenced blend of morna, coladera, funana and samba, Mariana is one of the most talented singers of her generation.  She previously released hit albums such as “Di Dor En Or” (2000) and “Bibia” (2004).

Sara will then take on Holland (5/6th and 5/12th) and Belgium (3/8th and 5/9th). She will be in Germany where she is scheduled to perform at the Fabrik in Hamburg on 5/13th, at Kesselhaus in Berlin on 5/15th, at Brotfabrik in Frankfurt on 5/16th, at BASF Geselschaftshaus in Ludwigshafen on 5/17th, at Konzerthaus in Dortmund on 5/19th, and finally at Africa Festival in Wurzburg on 6/1st.

On June 3rd, Sara will be at Sala Galileo in Madrid before leaving for Barcelona where she will make an appearance at the Auditori 2 on June 5th. Sara will then perform at Bulgaria Hall in Sofia, Bulgaria, on 6/26th, at Sala Kongresowa in Warsaw, Poland, on June 28th, and at Gewandhaus in Leipzig, Germany, on 9/24th.

The Lisbon-born singer, the winner of the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest in Dublin at 16-years old, recently released “Live in Lisboa,” two CDs and DVD set, which features recording of a live concert (March 2007) in Lisbon and previously released albums Balancê (2005) and Mi Ma Bô (1999).

Well, the point is there are a few slightly under-exposed singers out there who we don’t have the luxury of listening to very often, singers we would love to listen to again and again. Some have gotten as much hype for their show-stopping performances as others have gotten over the stunning but still oddly overlooked or under-promoted debut album.  These are women we should all watch and pay close attention to because they have real musicianship, the vocals and an incredible potential to be considered “Great” someday by future music listeners. 

Diva – Believe it or not this is her actual birth first name.  This amazing woman, owner of powerful grave vocals and a defining bluesy style, has been compared to Brazil’s Alcione.  But seriously there is only one of each.  Diva has yet to record but she has performed at Baia das Gatas (multiple times), in Italy (Festival Sete Sóis, Sete Luas) and shared the stage with Tito Paris.  We predict this Mindelo-based songstress will burst into the market soon, fingers crossed.

Sofia Barbosa – It’s been almost six years since she won a nationwide singing competition in Portugal—Operação Triunfo.  And after seeing her perform live in Cape Verde soon after (way back in 2003), she dazzled us with “Contrastes,” an album that certainly shows a lot of potential and versatility with top-notch pop rhythms and vocals.  So we think that whatever Sofia does next could very well be worth the wait.

Solange Cesarovna – This relatively newcomer (her debut album was just released in December 2008) has everything we look for in a music artist: talent, image and a great motivation to succeed.  An actress/model/singer, Solange has astounded us by effortlessly hitting all the right notes, whether it’s a decade-old morna (“Xandinha”) or her own pop-infused music (she also composes and plays guitar) sung in her native language (Russian).

Jenifer Soledad – We loved her in Olinôs’ “Enkantod k’bo Rosto,” (2005) in which her renditions of both “Lua nha testemunha” and “Milka ti lidia” blew us away.  But now we are impatiently waiting for her full-length debut.  And it doesn’t hurt that Tito Paris has had plenty of wonderful praises for her, telling us: “It’s as if she’s sung for decades; as if she knew by heart all of the songs.”

Sandra Horta – That voice and stage presence!  She has yet to record herself but we were impressed during a wonderful performance last year in Cape Verde inside the Auditório alongside Tito Paris.  Her confidence and easiness shine tremendously when she performs, showing she truly belongs on stage.  Unfortunately for us she’s very engrossed in her studies (Sandra is a college student in Portugal) and is not yet contemplating a full-time music career.   

Sara Alhinho – This truly gifted young musician (she plays guitar and composes), who is also still in college (in the Canary Islands) has been in the recording studio since she was eight years old.  She has already performed in Italy, Holland (De Doolen and Concert Gebow) and Austria (Concert House & Birdland).  Her versatility (Sara dabbles into Rock, Valsa, Brazilian, etc…) could definitely add some excitement to the Capeverdean/World Music scene when she is ready, and we’ll be waiting.

Danae – So I have to admit, 30 seconds of Danae’s voice on one of her songs released in her debut, the so far quasi-impossible to find “Condição de Louco” was all it took.  We know it sounds rare.  But that’s what makes this entire experience even more exciting.  When you know, you know.  Those 30 seconds completely did me in.

These women had us at…well, how about you (readers) track them down (by taking a trip across the ocean, hello Spring Break!) and then maybe we’ll figure out whether they have you at an amazingly high note.  We think they can retain their prime and re-emerge after hiding out as often as they so please.  Yet, we can’t help but crave.  Us addicts, we really are all alike, aren’t we?

Both concerts will be themed Carnaval—the masquerade-esque Brazilian tradition highly celebrated annually on the streets of Cape Verde particularly in the city of Mindelo (São Vicente), where it plays a significant cultural role attracting thousands.

Last week, as it has become a trademark Carnaval tradition, the singer-composer Vlú, who has penned remarkable songs like, “Padóce de Céu Azul,” “Sampé,” and “Hey Morena,” performed for crowds throughout Mindelo during the Carnaval festivities celebrated on February 23rd and 24th 2009.   

Riviera Inn Restaurant is located at 580 North Broadway, East Providence, RI.  For ticket reservations or specific questions please contact Tony dos Santos at (401) 580-2650.  Prizes will be awarded at each event to at least three attendees in best costumes.

The article entitled “Divas of the Diaspora: The Spectacular New Wave of Capeverdean singers,” written by Andrew Gilbert, focuses on the new generation of vocalists, namely Lura, Sara Tavares, Nancy Vieira, Mayra Andrade, and Maria de Barros.

The writer eloquently depicts each of these singers at different stages in their career while emphasizing that they “look to reach out to the world rather than find an audience restricted to fellow Capeverdeans.”

“Indeed, when it comes to strikingly beautiful singers, Cape Verde seems to have a bumper crop on its hands, with at least half dozen immensely talented women making serious inroads into North America, and another half dozen finding an audience in Europe,” says the article.

The article went on to say that “the rising wave of women have tapped into the world music scene by tending to their roots, while also nurturing a following on the islands by demonstrating a love and connection to the left-behind land.”

The article also credits Cesaria Evora whose rise to the prominence in 1990s put Cape Verde on the international musical map and reminds us that outside the Lusophone world “She continues to reign as the nation’s sole musical voice.”

Gilbert is a contributing writer/editor of Stereophine, which is a magazine devoted to high-end audio and features equipment reports, articles on audio and recorded music, interviews with audio engineers and musicians, news on the developments in sound reproduction, and scholarly and entertaining record reviews.

The headliners scheduled to perform are Tchéka (Cape Verde), Meddy Gerville (Reunion), Ba Cissoko (Guine Conakry) on April 3rd , Mario Lucio (CV), Lenine (Brazil), Mario Cannonge & Ralph Thamar (Martinique) on April 4th, Bau & Voginha (CV), Regis Gisavo (Madagascar) and from Cuba Jorge Reyes in tribute to Orestes Lopez Cacho and Chano Pozo, on April 5th.

The city’s Praça Dr. António Lereno, located in historic Plateau (Praia), will be the stage for this ambitious event, which is a result of a partnership between the city of Praia and Capeverdean music label/distributor Harmonia Lda. 

This is the first edition of Kriol Jazz Festival and it is intended to become an annual event, portraying a cultural interchange among the many countries of Kriol expression and others, based in the same musical influences.

On Saturday, February 28th, 2009, Lura will perform at Auditorio de Galicia in Santiago de Compostela, Spain, before leaving for Funchal, Portugal, where she is scheduled to appear in a private show.

On March 9th, Lura will perform in Paris, France, during International Women’s Day, an event organized every year in March by UNESCO (United Nation’s Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization). The event’s program also consists of round-tables, conferences, exhibitions and cultural events that highlight issues relating to the empowerment of women and the promotion of gender equality.

Lura, who is currently working on her new record, will be at Montjean-sur-Loire’s Cultural Center on March 20th, followed by Pornichet’s Quai des Arts with opening act Simon Nwambeben (Cameroon) on 3/21st.

Flaunting her mixed repertoire, which contains coladera, funana, and upbeat batuku, abundantly displayed on her latest album “M'Bem Di Fora,” this native of Lisbon will then travel to Germany to perform in Berlin (Postbahnhof), Mühlheim (Theater an der Ruhr), Hanover (Pavillon), and Hamburg (Fabrik) from March 23rd until March 26th.

Available in stores worldwide on May 19th, 2009, “Morabeza,” executively produced by Maria de Barros and Cristihan Gutterre, sees Maria blending a diverse range of traditional styles such as morna, coladera, funana, and tabanka etc…

In addition to her trio producers--Djim Job, Kalú Monteiro, Danny Luchansky--Maria brought in some of Cape Verde’s top songwriters, including Manuel D'Novas, Tó Alves, Ramiro Mendes, Teofilo Chantre, Káká Barbosa, Betú, and Jorge Barbosa among others.

This show will kick off Maria’s promotional tour, which includes appearances at Afrika Kulturtage Festival and Kasumama Festival in the summer. “Morabeza” follows “Nha Mundo” (2003) and “Dança Ma Mi” (2005).

Venus de Milo is located at 75 Grand Army Highway (Route 6) in Swansea, MA. For reservation or any questions, please email Veronica at veronica5@cox.net or call her at (401) 941-2413.

The project is part of a recently announced fellowship awarded to Michelle by the Rhode Island Foundation.  “I hope to tell the story of a country whose songs are some of its greatest treasures.  I want to relay to our students that there is a whole world out there to interact with. To have children from two nations converse through music, the language of all people, will be priceless,” says Michelle, who plans to visit each island, meet with various generations of musicians as well as children and introduce a pen-pal like music program between children in Cape Verde and the U.S.

She intends to do it all alongside her uncle, famed violinist/composer Malaquias Costa, now 82, who once toured with Cesaria Evora.

The Rhode Island Foundation’s Fellowship program, which this year returns after a three-year hiatus allows nonprofit executive directors to take productive time off from their organizations to gain new perspective, encouraging them through a year of professional investigation and interaction with other nonprofit leaders, to bring back to their organizations new methods to achieving their principal objectives.

Born in the U.S. from Capeverdean parents, Michelle, founder of The Lost Chord—a nonprofit organization that provides free music instruments and lessons to children in Rhode Island communities, is one of 12 nonprofit leaders selected by the Rhode Island Foundation.  She has previously opened concerts for the likes of Judy Collins, and is known for easily blending folk, jazz, rock and blues with her vocals, guitar and songwriting chops.

On Saturday, February 14th, Ferro Gaita will perform at Zens in Rotterdam, Holland, followed by another show at Communal de Corcelles in Lausanne, Switzerland, on February 21st, 2009.

On February 28th, they will be at Complexe Raymond Devos in Creteil, France. Ferro Gaita will then take part in Festival du Monde (World Festival) in Centreville, Luxembourg, on March 14th.

This six-piece band--Eduino (accordion, vocals), Bino (vocals), Adão (bass), Jorge Pimpa (drums), Manel di Tilina (percussions) and Pito (cowbell/buzio)--will perform in Rome, Italy, on March 21st, before concluding this tour in Portugal with concerts in Lisbon, Aveiro, Braga and Almada between March 22nd and March 30th, 2009.

“Cidade Velha,” Ferro Gaita 4th studio album, was officially released in Praia, Cape Verde, on December 22nd, 2008. They recently concluded a tour of the archipelago (Cape Verde) with performances in Tarrafal, Praia, Mindelo, and Ribeira Grande.

Founded in 1996, Ferro Gaita previously released chart-toppers such as “Rei di Funana,” (2001), “Bandera Liberdade,” (2003) and “Finkadu na Raiz” (2006).

Since she broke through in 1992 with the hit song “Sodade,” the Barefoot Diva, 67,  has earned respect and admiration from the French audience and is often mentioned in the same sentence as Edith Piaf, one of France’s all time greatest.

In 2007, Cesaria was elevated to the rank of Chevalier (L'ordre National de la Légion d'honneur) by former French President Jacques Chirac, a distinction made possible by then French Minister of Cooperation, Brigitte Gerardin.

The first Capeverdean artist to win a Grammy, Cesaria also won twice “Les Victoires De La Musique,” the France’ answer to the Grammies. “Rogamar” (Pray to the sea) was also the recipient of a Gold Record in France in 2007.

Cesaria, who was born on August 27, 1941, in Mindelo, Cape Verde, recently introduced her latest album entitled “Radio Mindelo,” a collection of songs recorded at the very beginning of her career under the tutelage of Gregorio “Ti Goy” Gonçalves.

Backed by a six-piece band--Zé Rui (ukulele), Kalú Monteiro (drums), Djim Djob (bass), Dicki Tavares (guitar), Claudio Ramos (keyboard), Kosei Yamaguchi (sopro) and Ju Sança (chorus), she introduced the 12-track CD titled “Nos Encontro.”

The album fetches traditional Capeverdean rhythms through songs, Nha Maninha, Caminho Cobra, Nha Boti, Critica, Rotcha Nu, etc… It includes songs penned by Antero Simas, Amadeu Fontes, JL Spencer, John Ramos, Ano Nobo, and Sidney Rocha among others.

Djuta Barros is next scheduled to perform in the Capeverdean Island of Santiago, inside the BCA Auditório on 03/12, and in Praia’s Auditório Nacional on 03/14.

Nancy, Sara, and Mayra, three of the best voices in Capeverdean traditional music, have harvested a lot of buzz over the past year, in part because of their stunning records. Nelson Freitas has become of the most popular Palop Zouk artists, especially since the release of his latest album, Magic.

During this glamorous ceremony, several African personalities who excelled in 2008 will be honored in areas such as music, television, movies, theater, soccer, business, and many others.

Also scheduled to receive an award are Angolan singer Bonga, legendary soccer player Eusebio, Nelson Évora, Naide Gomes, Eric Santos, Craveirinha, Dina Simão, Fátima Lopes, Mina Andala, Alberto Magassela,  Daniel Nascimento,  Nuno Sardinha, and Angélica Costa among others.

The new song, “Em Silencio (te Gosto)” (In Silence, I love you) is a duet with Portuguese singer-dancer Rakel Ribeiro, who also shares the writing credits with Gilyto on the love tune.  Recorded in three separate versions and styles (kizomba, remix and acoustic), the single also promotes the ICASE (Instituto Cabo-Verdiano de Acção Social Escolar) Adopt a Student project.

As the face of the national campaign launched in October 2008 to help make a difference in the lives of young students in Cape Verde, Gilyto is including a booklet with information on how to do so along with his music. 

Scheduled for release in the summer of 2009, the new album will boast rhythms like CaboZouk, Funana, Batuku and other semi-acoustic works, as well as a DVD with new music videos from the singer.

Gilyto is an avid performer, who was dubbed Mr. Entertainer after his signature dance moves on stage.  His repertoire is a mesh of Zouk and Funana resulting in both danceable and melodious music showcased in albums like, “Kel Tempu” (1999), “Nha Atriz Principal” (2001), “Diamante Africana” (2005), “Traduson pa Tradison” (2006) and “Live@Luxembourg” (2008).

Cesarovna, who was raised in São Vicente, said she is very proud of her first record because it represents much of Cape Verde’s musical spectrum. “This album mirrors what I am musically at this time,” she said, recently by phone from Cidade Praia. “But it also mirrors the different aspects of what I wanted to record in my debut album and that’s the love I have for my two cultures, that of Cape Verde and of Russia. I wanted to include the traditional sounds of Cape Verde like morna, coladera, funana, bandera while also including some music from Russia.

“I think the record reflects the goals that we had,” she added. “I am completely happy for what we were able to achieve in the record and the material that we selected for it. We hope it continues to take the music of our country to new audiences.”

 The two sides met a year ago in Cidade Velha at an event commemorating the former Spanish slave ship La Amistad, which made a return voyage to Africa’s Gold Coast with a stop in Cape Verde. La Amistad is docked in Connecticut and has a committee that governs the vessel. That committee contacted the Mendes Brothers when it sought to have Cape Verde as one of the stops in the voyage and the Mendes Brothers acted as liaison to the government.

“She has spent the last two years looking for the right group to produce her,” said João Mendes. “She was looking for the right home and it finally came to a choice to come in with MB Records.  Her people were very aware of what we had done in Capeverdean music and visited with our representative in Fogo and Praia just to get acquainted with us and with the industry and the process. I think they were trying to find out how we work, etc.”

“It was the way that she approaches songs,” João Mendes said. “She has a specific style. She has her own interpretation of style. Second, the quality of her voice was something that was very important to us. We saw that she is the kind of artist that can go in and sing a song top-down.  We don’t have to go in (the studio) and be punching it in and out. She can perform. She’s a performer and it was relatively easy to record her because of that because she’s had years of preparation.”

While her physical beauty is obvious, João Mendes said her inner-beauty also radiates to a crowd, giving her a stage presence that keeps people focused and entertained. “Her ability to capture an audience as a person but at the same time her simplicity was important to us,” he said. “All of those are very critical elements because you can be very talented but if you don’t have the right balance between talent and the ability to retain an audience then it makes it difficult to develop a career.”

Cesarovna said that she wouldn’t have done an album simply for commercial reasons. It had to have quality and be rooted in the traditions of what came before her.

“This album provided me with the opportunity and the privilege to record the songs of some great songwriters from our country which makes me quite proud,” she said. “When you can record music by Manuel d’Novas, Kim di Santiago, Ramiro Mendes, Tó Alves and Amandio Cabral, these are writers who have great names and have made a great contribution to Capeverdean folklore. Even when I was in Brazil and just thinking of the day when I might record an album, I knew I would have to do it the right way.”

That included morna, which she said feels quite natural even if her vocal styling on the genre suggests a more modern approach. “When I was seven years old, I sang for the first time in public in São Vicente and I recognized at that time that morna touched me in a very special way,” she said. “Even at that age, I recognized that I was singing something very special. The music of B. Leza, Eugenio Tavares, Manuel d’Novas.  Although we know that modern music has plenty of personality, variation and a lot still to explore, morna is still very special to us in a cultural sense.”

She also liked the banderas written by Ramiro Mendes even if they were less celebrated Capeverdean styles. She said she even remembers visiting Fogo before she turned 10 during the May festivals and the people and their Sotavento creole variant left an indelible impression on her. “When I heard various songs from Ramiro, they reminded me a lot of the songs that I heard in Brazil,” she said. “They were like some sambas in 3-4 time and I loved those songs. So I felt very comfortable with the rhythms of the songs and of the arrangements because they were in a (musical) time that I recognized and liked."

Cesarovna’s musical abilities, and not the producers’ perceptions of her, dictated how the sides approached the recording. “In deciding what to record we resisted a lot of temptation,” João said. “Often when you have an artist who hasn’t yet recorded, the tendency is to bring a direction of your own and impose that on the new artist. We decided not to go in that direction but instead to listen to the genres of music that she had been performing in the Capeverdean material.

“During this time she developed a unique approach to Capeverdean music,” he added. “She didn’t cling to a single style or genre. She sings morna. She sings coladera. She sings funana. And she is very convincing in all of those styles. So we didn’t want to strip all of that away and say you are only going to sing morna and coladera.”

Now the task is to take the artist to the widest possible audience, including to her dual heritage as well as to World Music lovers in general. “Visually you have to take into consideration the branding opportunity you have with an artist like her,” João Mendes said. “She can be branded differently. We have the challenge with her to bring the artist worldwide and not to pigeonhole her into a particular genre or music segment. We know she hails from Cape Verde. We know that she hails from Russia. That tells us this woman fits anywhere talent-wise, image-wise. So our vision is not to hold her back but to push the envelope in terms of her exposure.”

By then she had already appeared on LCI’s Culturellement Show Agenda (01/23), France Inter’s Le Fou du Roi (01/16), Tropiques FM’s Tropical Show (01/13), France Ô’s Les Nuits du Triton (01/09), and Direct 8’s Tous les Goûts dans la Culture, also on (01/09).

The singer-actress, who also just performed in the prestigious Palais L’Alhambra (01/29), is now scheduled for a number of concerts throughout France.  She will perform inside Salle Nougaro in Toulouse (02/03), at Scéne Nationale, Annecy (02/05), Le Sémaphore, Clermont-Ferrand Cebazat, on 02/06, Espace Culturel Georges Pompidou in Vincennes, Ile-de-France, on 02/12, Palais de Congrés in Evreux, on 02/17, Scéne Nationale Moulin du Roc, Nort, on 02/18, Théâtre Vichy, Cisset, on 02/26, the Centre Culturel Aragon in Oyonnax on 02/27, and Théâtre in Roanne on 02/28.

Born from Capeverdean parents in Dakar, Senegal, Mariana’s captivating mixture of rhythms like morna, coladera, funana and samba is a reflection of her cosmopolitan upbringing.  She also released the albums “Di Dor En Or” (2000) and “Bibia” (2004).

“Cesaria’s only wish and that of her team is that this terrible conflict gets resolved and that her humanist message is able to contribute for peace in the world,” Jose da Silva tells SodadeOnline.com.

The Capeverdean singer, who kicked off the New Year with a new album, Radio Mindelo—a compilation of her earliest recordings made in her early 20s, and a performance in Istanbul, Turkey (Jan. 18th), has spent the last few days singing for audiences throughout parts of the Canary Islands, such as Lanzarote’s Teatro de San Bartolome (Jan. 21st), Auditorio Insular de Puerto del Rosario in Fuerteventura (Jan. 22nd), and Auditorio de CICCA (Jan. 23rd & 24th) in Las Palmas.

Next, Cesaria is expected to take her show back to Europe, where she is scheduled to sing in Budapest’s Palace of Arts, on Feb. 27th, at Theatre des Gemeaux, (Sceaux, France) on March 15th, in Warsaw’s Concert Hall (Poland) on March 22nd, and La Mals Theatre de Sochaux, (France), on March 24th.

With a repertoire as rich in worldly rhythms (Latin, bossa nova, blues) as in traditionally-known Capeverdean styles (morna and coladera), Cesaria—a Grammy-Award recipient for her 2003 album release Voz d’Amor, continues to attract audiences throughout the world with live concerts as well as previously released chart-topping works, like Rogamar (2006), São Vicente De Longe (2001), Café Atlântico (1999), etc.

S: YOU’VE BEEN WITH THE INSTITUTE OF INVESTIGATION AND CULTURAL PROMOTION (IIPC) FOR THREE YEARS.  WHAT DOES YOUR POSITION ENTAIL?

AM: As a Linguist and Director of Human Sciences, my responsibilities are to support and research within the social history department.  I’m currently working in divulging the Capeverdean language and to promote it as the official language of Cape Verde.

S: BUT AS A LINGUIST YOU’VE ALSO GONE FROM STUDYING LANGUAGES TO STUDYING THE LYRICS BEHIND CAPEVERDEAN MUSIC. 

AM: Working directly with music lyrics is something I’ve been doing on the side.  I’ve been doing the research and taking notes.  But while I was in college (in Portugal) all of my work was connected to the Capeverdean language.

S: WHAT ENTICED YOU TO LOOK INTO LYRICS?

AM: This part is directly connected to my job as a linguist, it’s what I do.  Also, to me when it comes to music the most important aspect are the lyrics. 

S: WHAT IS IT ABOUT THE LYRICS THAT GIVE PEOPLE AN INSIGHT INTO CAPE VERDE’S CULTURE?

AM: When it comes to music of Cape Verde, the lyrics are a story, and you can discover a whole lot about the life of Capeverdeans and Capeverdean history in general. Personally, to me, it has great value because Capeverdean Kriolu, when you speak it in the first person that’s when you’re being most sincere and this is how we express our feelings, through the lyrics.

S: ARE YOU WORKING WITH ANYONE IN PARTICULAR TO ADVANCE THIS RESEARCH?

AM: Since I’m already working in the Ministry of Culture, in the language department, I always end up feeling a bit accomplished because they are already doing what I’m doing. We are all working together to promote the Capeverdean language.

S: ARE YOU AWARE THAT ANYONE HAS TACKLED THIS TYPE OF STUDY BEFORE YOU?

AM: Well, there is a young man who sings traditional music, Gil Moreira, who is one person that I know is playing a role in this because he takes our expressions and divulges them orally through his music.  There is also a theater crew, Fladu Fla, who did an interesting piece by having a character who uses our traditional proverbs.  It’s a way of preserving what is really traditional and ours.  Also a band called Cordas do Sol, the same goes for their lyrics. Cordas do Sol is kind of like a book displaying this sort of work.

S: IN TERMS OF STUDYING OUR LYRICS, WHAT ARE YOUR MAIN OBJECTIVES?

AM: My objective is to promote Capeverdean Kriolu as a language and the oral aspect of it, which is very important.  My goal in terms of music only has to do with the language itself.  I work in the linguistic area through which we compile material and show the public that the Kriolu is spoken in such a way and that it exposes a certain expression. 

S: ARE YOU SAYING THAT THE LANGUAGE USED IN THE LYRICS HAS A UNIQUE MEANING BEHIND THEM?

AM: In looking at the music of Cape Verde when people want to know what is there through the compositions, language means a lot if you are trying to explain the lyrics in Portuguese or any other language; they need to understand the content first.  I’m studying the language and the lyrics so that I can give people an instrument that they can use.  And the artists, they divulge it orally but sometimes people listen and don’t necessarily comprehend what is being expressed.  My hope is to provide people with an instrument which they can use to better understand our history through our music.

S: WHAT SORT OF OBSTACLES, IF ANY, DO YOU TEND TO ENCOUNTER ALONG THE WAY?

AM: In compiling all this material, the obstacle I come across most often is the difficulty in finding the original written compositions of the songs.  You have to keep going and after a certain amount of time you have to keep showing the compositions to different people in order to find their original versions.  Some time ago in looking at one song we found three vocalized versions but each of them began differently.  Because they are recorded orally, sometimes what you are hearing is not really the original written version of a particular song.

S: WHY WOULD YOU SAY THERE HASN’T BEEN TOO MUCH EMPHASIS TO PRESERVE THIS KIND OF WORK IN THE PAST?

AM: The thing is they’ve been doing this (songwriting for others) in such an informal way that there isn’t that preoccupation, they’re doing it affectionately and they are doing it for other people, so it becomes something they offer to people within the Capeverdean community.  But it’s important to preserve all this music so that it doesn’t get lost.

The singer-storyteller is one of the many performers set to highlight the evenings of January at OndaJazz.  Others also scheduled to perform are, Julio Resende and Vânia Fernandes (01/24), Patricia Antunes (01/29), Ollisipo (01/30), Amar Guitarra (01/31).  Earlier this month names such as Mario Franco Trio, Sensi & the Shortcuts, Jandira Silva, and many others stepped on stage at the pub, which frequently showcases an array of music styles from around the world, including jazz, African, Latin and Middle-eastern sounds.

Celina, a recipient of a medal of merit from the Portuguese Presidency (2004), and Capeverdean Hall of Famer (2008) is an outstanding musician, who has further raised the stakes over the years through her pedagogical work and as a promoter of inter-cultural exchanges among children.  In 2005 she released her second children’s book, a compilation of oral traditions, Estória, Estória…Do Tambor a Blimundo, written in English, Italian and Capeverdean Kriolu.

Born in Boavista and raised in São Vicente (Cape Verde), Celina Pereira has released albums Força de Cretcheu, Estória, Estória and Nos tradição.

We are very excited about this particular issue of Sodade Magazine as it is truly all about the new.  So new, you may not even recognize the smiling handsome musician on the cover—Ilo Ferreira.  But thanks to us (and maybe also YouTube) you might feel differently in just a few minutes.  The story, “From Mindelo to Margaritaville,” about this super-talented young man, written by Gus Martins is the stuff of books.  Ilo was discovered by legendary American singer Jimmy Buffett (yes, that Jimmy Buffett) not too long ago in Mindelo, São Vicente, and now, well, let’s just say that a performance in front of quasi sixty thousand parrot heads happened, and the rest is thoroughly documented by Gus in this issue complete with photographs shot by our own Amilcar Carvalho during one of the singer’s recent trips to the U.S.

Elsewhere in this issue, writer John Mooney takes us on a memorable voyage to the Netherlands, to reveal a pivotal piece in the history of the Capeverdean recording industry (A Morabeza Story, part I).  And we’ve got all the details on Dany Silva’s recent return to the spotlight (see Dany Silva Finds his Way Back), a chat with renowned producer Barry Marshall, a studio session with producer/arranger/keyboardist Claudio Ramos (Spreading Out), and a feature story on Mozambique-born singer Neco Novellas (Music for the World).  In addition, we introduce you to even more new wonderful sounds from notable newcomers like Michelle Cruz (Breakaway), Portugal-based singer Chris (Making an Entrance) and Fusion (Coastal Dreams), a band hailing from Mindelo. 

There are also our signature tour dates, releases and reviews, classic albums, the latest highlights and music news, and we’ve added a brand new treat (see Expressions) just for our readers.

Unintentionally or not we somehow always end up connecting (or attracting) things, people, events, historic points.  It’s the same way with music, and ultimately with Sodade Magazine.  Here we are in the face of change (and in a New Year, no less), and we are telling you all about dreams coming true.  Whether it’s singing for the world, starting a first record label in a certain market, returning to the stage at sixty-something years old and still have the energy to dazzle everyone, sharing the best parts of ourselves through talent and belief, or simply waving a wand to make someone else’s dream become a reality.  What we have here is a collection of inspiring stories that literally leaves us thinking, we can do anything. 

Enjoy.

On Wednesday, January 14th, Gilyto, who recently launched his own line of t-shirts stamped with the slogan “Made in Kabu Verdi,” will perform during Festival Nhu Santo Amaro in Tarrafal. On January 20th, he will perform a benefit show for disfavored children at the renowned Parque 5 de Julho in Praia, the Capital of Cape Verde.

Gilyto, also known as Mr. Entertainer, will end his trip with a performance during Festival Cidade Velha on January 23rd. Gilyto last performed in Cape Verde at the prestigious Festival Baia das Gatas (08/15), followed by Festival de Boa Vista (08/22 & 23) and Festival de Santo-Antão (08/24).

Since beginning his career  in the mid-1990s, Gilyto has released albums such as “Kel Tempu” (1997), “Nha Atriz Principal” (2001), “Diamante Africana” (2005), “Traduson Pa Tradison” (2007), and the compilation, “Cabo Zouk in Brasil” as well as DVD “Mr. Entertainment” ( 2005) and CD/DVD box set “Live@Luxembourg” (2008).

Teófilo, who is also on the lineup for this year’s One World Music Festival, held in Seoul (South Korea) on February 5th 2009, joins an eclectic list of world music artists at the 18th Edition of Le Printemps de la Chanson. 

Melissa Laveux (03/03), Cali (03/04), French singer/comedian Nicolas Jules (03/05), Algerian singer Souad Massi (03/06), Nilda Fernandez (03/07), Laurent Montagne (03/09), Davy Sicard (03/11), Evasion (03/12), N&SK (03/13), Presque Oui (03/14), Moran (03/15), Batlik (03/17), La Grande Sophie (03/18), Thierry Romanens (03/19), Manu Galure (03/20), Carmen Maria Veiga (03/21), Emily Loizeau (03/24), Yoanna Mell (03/25), Yvan Le Bolloc’h (03/26), Juliette (03/27) and Sinsémilia (03/28) will all take the stage at this event.

Teófilo’s repertoire is an eclectic mixture of sounds ranging from blues, bossa nova, morna and coladera, featured in his released works like, Rodatempo (2000), Azulando (2004), and Viajá (2007).  Some of his remarkable compositions have been recorded by Mariana Ramos and Cesaria Evora.

A son of musician Vitorino Chantre, and born in São Nicolau (Cape Verde), Teófilo resides in France.

1. Mario Lucio Sousa: Badyo
“Badyo” represents a journey, the years Mario Lucio spent absorbing cultures from different parts of the world. An assortment of sounds (coladera, funaná, batuku, tabanka etc…) influenced from both near and far off places, Badyo carries beautiful melodies, poetic lyrics, and Mario Lucio’s softly crooned vocals. A product of this expertise should be called a work of art.

2. Tchéka: Lonji
Tchéka and Brazilian rock icon Lenine join forces on Lonji, (Faraway) which blends Tchéka’s self-crafted rhythmic traditional Capeverdean music with African, Brazilian, and Caribbean sounds sprinkled with elements of Jazz, pop, and electronic music. This 14-track acoustic record, which features noteworthy songs such as “Sabu,” “Ana Maria,” “Fla Mantenha,” and “Teté di Landim,” is a continuation and development of Tchéka’s musical journey.

3. Mariana Ramos: Mornador 
Mariana Ramos’ third studio album, “Mornador,” is a sublime collection of songs, written by some of the greats--Jorge Humberto (Balonce d’um coladera), Boy Gé Mendes (Nila and Céla Vida), and Téofilo Chantre (Crepuscular Solidão). Mariana’s greatly deepened voice and matured artistry has made her exceptionally flawless throughout the album. 

4. Princezito: Spiga
Princezito’s first solo album centers in oral traditions expressed mostly through batuku and its slower variants.  It showcases his impressive improvisational style and storytelling-like singing based on popular folk tales and social themes. Spiga is both melodically and lyrically rich. Songs like Tarrafal na Biku, and Mar are guaranteed to touch your soul, while the guitar licks on tracks like Lua reveal the singer’s spellbinding power.

5. Tété Alhinho: Andante
Some Best Of albums hardly ever impress. But Andante is an exception to the rule. Most of the arrangements are acoustic, which elegantly showcase her outstanding vocal virtuosity and talent. It is great to hear carefully chosen songs such as “Dia C’Tchuva Bem,” “’Spirito Lévi,” “Tchiga Pa Mi,” or “Fladu Fla.”

6. Zéca di Nha Reinalda: Na Caminho
It took him about a decade but he finally found his way back and his true calling. Empowered by potent production and solid songwriting, the king of Funana delivers a solid “Na Caminho.” If you want to reminisce about what Zéca di Nha Reinalda used to sound like, just listen to this album.

7. Dany Silva: Caminho Longi
Dany Silva teams up with American producer Barry Marshall for this record, which is packed with Morna and Coladera, topped off with silky jazz, Blues, Salsa, and other diverse rhythms. Featuring an all-star roster of contributing musicians, including Djim Djob, Kalú Monteiro, and singer Philip Hamilton, with whom Dany duets on, Mama Africa, this record is a winner.

8. Bau & Voginha: Remembering the Masters
This acoustic guitar-oriented album, which pays tribute to many of Cape Verde's early exponents of guitar, gathers compositions from the likes of Luis Rendall, Tazinho, Taninho, Humbertona, Angelo Lima, Vasco Martins, Fidjinho D'Chiquinha, and Toi Vieira. Bau and Voginha so brazenly exhibit their mastery of the guitar and their exceptionally high level of technical expertise.

5. Artists Give Back – In November, singer-guitarist Tito Paris performed at a benefit concert to help garner support for school children, through the Escola Feliz (Happy School) project.  More than 3,000 students from 52 schools in Santa Catarina, Santiago (Cape Verde) were provided with school supplies and better learning conditions, thanks to the program developed in 2006 by CIC-Portugal, an association for cooperation, interchange and culture.  Meanwhile, singer Gilyto became involved in a nationwide “Campaign to Adopt a Student,” in Cape Verde, launched by ICASE (Instituto Cabo-Verdiano de Acção Social Escolar) on October 10th 2008, under the slogan “Give Each Student an Opportunity.”  The government-led plan is to lend a hand to thousands of students by implementing a network of ex-beneficiaries, businesses, public and private officials as well as artists.  As the face of the campaign, Gilyto, who adopted a student, is helping promote investment in education while providing students in Cape Verde with an opportunity to succeed academically. 

4. Friendly Tribute – Knowing the challenge facing iconic figure Norberto Tavares, who is enduring a public battle with diabetes, some of the community’s leading musicians and dignitaries came together at Clube Recordações de Portugal, on a fund-raising gala in his support.  The ceremony was held in his hometown of New Bedford, MA, featured a special screening of “Journey of a Badiu: The Story of Capeverdean Musician Norberto Tavares,” a documentary film focusing on his life and career, directed by Susan Hurley-Glowa.  Mayor Scott W. Lang made a few remarks before an exceptional six-piece band--Dicki (Guitar), Claudio Ramos (keyboards), Steve (Drums), Feliciano (Bass), and Junior (Percussions)--backed the event’s performers such as Naiss Roberto, Calu Bana, Candida Rose, Galvão, and Toi Pinto.   Norberto was introduced on stage accompanied by some of the members of Tropical Power, a band he put together with his brother Tony Tavares in 1979.   Norberto, who in 2008 was inducted in the Capeverdean Heritage Hall of Fame, was also joined by singes Zéca di Nha Reinalda and Belinda Lima, who came from Cape Verde, and Ambassador of Cape Verde in Washington D.C., Fatima Veiga.  The night ended with a sing-along to Norberto’s most symbolic song, “Nôs Cabo Verde di Sperança.” 

3. In Honor Of A Music Giant – New books and biographies of our iconic musicians keep emerging each year and 2008 was no exception.  Writer Raquel Ochoa published “Bana: Uma Vida a Cantar Cabo Verde (Bana: A Lifetime Singing Cape Verde), outlining the life and career of the legendary musician, Adriano “Bana” Gonçalves.  The book was released in July during a private gathering in Lisbon, Portugal, inside Palácio Foz, where Bana’s friends, Celina Pereira, Tito Paris and Leonel Almeida all peformed in his honor.  In a career spanning more than fifty years, Bana, once a member of legendary band Voz de Cabo Verde (formed in 1966) has recorded more than 50 albums, and played an essential role as ambassador of Capeverdean music by taking its music and culture to the rest of the world.  

2. Best Newcomer, Period – In 2008 singer Mayra Andrade proved yet again that the future of Capeverdean music is in great hands when she snagged the year’s Best Newcomer award during the BBC Radio 3 World Music Awards, the leading awards show for world music.  Mayra was nominated for her debut album “Navega” (Upon the Waves), alongside Balkan Beat Box (Israel/USA), Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni Ba (Mali) and Viewx Farka Toure (Mali).  The native of Cuba, from Capeverdean parents, has an awe-inspiring repertoire that fetches Jazz, Brazilian music, Batuku, Morna and Coladera.  The award show was held in London and hosted by BBC Radio 3’s Mary Ann Kennedy, on April 11th 2008; this is a great follow-up for Mayra, who took home the prestigious German Record Critics’ Award (Preis der deutschen Schallplattenkritik) the previous year.

1. Comeback of the Year – Congratulations to Dany Silva, Maria Alice, Cabo Verde Show and Suzanna Lubrano, all of whom made great efforts in their careers after years away from the recording studio by releasing new records last year.  But we were most excited to hear about another man’s return to the stage.  Music fans of at least three different generations waited years to see the undisputable master of Capeverdean music (morna), Paulino Vieira, back at work on stage.  In 2008, we all got our wish to see him live in concert as the veteran musician made a special appearance at Mindelo’s International Music Festival, Baia das Gatas.  Yes, Paulino Vieira has still got it.

On Wednesday, December 31, 2008, Manu will perform at Sodade Terra Restaurant in Brockton, MA, followed by another show at Restaurante Luanda, also in Brockton, on Friday, January 9th, 2009. Manu previously performed at Restaurante Cesaria in Boston, MA, on 12/27th and at Tamboo in Brockton on 12/28th.

Dubbed the king of Afro-Zouk, Manu recently released Cabo Verde Show’s long-anticipated reunion album “Cabo Verde Show 2008” alongside Boy Gé Mendes, Rene Cabral, and Nando Da Cruz.

During a prolific musical career that spans over four decades, this native of Dakar, Senegal, has produced and arranged hit albums for artists such as Monique Seka and Olivier N’Goma,  Koffi Olomide, Lokassa & Soukous Stars, and Gil Semedo, just to name a few.

His music--anchored in his heavy keyboard riffs and the Afro-Caribbean-influenced sound he stitched together in the early 80s--is easily recognizable. He has produced countless hit records such as “Recordo Pensar,” “Destino,” “Caminho de Esperança Coladance,” or “Beijo Cu Jetu,” and hit songs like “Teteya,” “Milena,” “Bo ca Sabe,” and “Casa ma um Criola.”

On December 22nd, 2008, the band, which is made up of Eduino (accordion, vocals), Bino (vocals), Adão (bass), Jorge Pimpa (drums), Manel di Tilina (percussions) and Pito (cowbell/buzio), introduced “Cidade Velha,” during a private concert in the Auditório (of promoters BCA and Garantia), in the city of Praia (Cape Verde).

Ferro Gaita used the occasion to officially debut the new Web site, www.ferrogaita.cv and to present awards of merit to the people and companies that have supported them throughout the years.

Recorded, mixed and mastered between Praia, Rotterdam, Boston and Lisbon, “Cidade Velha”  features an array of musicians, including João Cerilo, Dicki Tavares, (U.S.), Zé Carlos, Zé di Pinton (Netherlands), Kim Alves, Meno Pecha, Felix Lopes, Mané Calote, Nhu Náni, Vitor de Santa Cruz, as well as Praia’s military band and elements of Ferro Gaita’s Escola de Musica Tradicional (School of Traditional Music).

The band’s fourth studio album stays in the parameters of the music styles it is best known for, such as Funaná, Batuku and Tabanka, while also venturing into new rhythms like Talaia Baxu. “Cidade Velha” features songs written/composed by Iduino, João Cerilo, Kim Alves, Felix Lopes, among other up-and-coming songwriters, Nenas Rambo, Polito, and Ecio Cardoso.

One of Cape Verde’s most emblematic bands, Ferro Gaita first burst in the scene in the mid-nineties and took it up themselves to revolutionize the traditional music of the archipelago’s largest island, Santiago.  They did so by taking their show on the road to different parts of the world like, Gala Musical du Cap-Vert (Paris, 2007), New York City’s S.O.B. during 2007’s African Concert Series, Portugal’s CinePort Festival (2006), Montreal’s Festival Nuits D’Afrique, Toronto’s Harborfront Music Festival, Festival of Culture Exchange in Maine (2005) and NOSACONN (New Orleans-South Africa Connection) Festival in New Orleans, Louisiana (2004), to name a few.

Their previous albums include “Rei di Funana,” (2001), “Bandera Liberdade,” (2003) and “Finkadu na Raiz” (2006).

The singer and current television presenter in Cape Verde had the opportunity to formally introduce, “Perfil,” his debut album during a private concert inside Praia’s Centro Cultural Português-Instituto Camões, on December 18th 2008.  He was accompanied by band, Jorge Pimpa (bass), Edson Danny (guitar) and Lulan (bass).

Produced by Hernani Almeida, who also showcases his guitar riffs in this album, “Perfil” (Profile) counted with collaborations from musicians Micau Chantre (bass), Ulisses Português (keyboard) and Samira (chorus).  AV Productions, which is headed by Augusto Veiga, previously produced and promoted albums by Ferro Gaita, TC and Vadu.

Produced by MB Records (Ramiro Mendes & João Mendes), this record features different styles of music, ranging from Morna, Coladera, Funaná, and Bandera etc…

Recorded in Los Angeles, CA, and Praia, Cape Verde, this 12-track album fetches songs penned by Ramiro Mendes, Manuel d’Novas, Amândio Cabral, Dante Mariano, Kim di Santiago, and Tó Alves.

“She is very talented and such a great artist. She also has a great personality and she is very determined about her career. She put a lot of things aside to concentrate in her music career. We listened to her and we decided to produce her album,” João Mendes tells Sodadeonline.com.

Born in Ulianovsk, Russia, to a Capeverdean father and Russian mother, Solange began her singing career when she was 7 years-old. At only 8 years-old, she became one of the youngest artists to perform at Festival de Baía das Gatas. She is now putting her professional career on hold (movie director) to promote her debut album and spread out the rich tradition and culture of Cape Verde.

The theme of Lura, Princezito, Sementera & Nha Neuza’ performances will be “Batuque du Cap-Vert,” (Batuku of Cape Verde) which originated in the Island of Santiago and symbolizes the chains of slaves who protested against the way they were treated by the Portuguese settlers. Initially a ritual, Batuku has fully developed into a very sophisticated and coveted style of music.

Also scheduled to take part in this festival are Omar Sosa, Babaté, Bonga, Fadima Kouyaté, Julien Jacob, Fanga, Moriarty, Kettly Noël, Benkadi, Kolo Barst, Nahawa Doumbia, Sambou Kouyaté, Lindigo and many more.

Founded in 1989 and now in its 20th edition, the festival’s main is to showcase up-and-coming artists from the African continent.

The musician recently released his first solo album, “Spiga,” which centers in oral traditions expressed in traditional styles like batuku.  The album showcases Princezito’s improvisational style and storytelling based on folk tales and well-known proverbs surrounding social themes.

Produced by Hernani Almeida, “Spiga” also boasts Princezito’s instrumental skills on guitar, bass, percussion and piano.

Born Carlos Alberto Sousa Mendes on the town of Tarrafal (Santiago, Cape Verde), Princezito previously took part in “Ayan,” (2002) a compilation that also featured musicians Tcheka, Djingo and Vadu.  Some of Princezito’s most memorable songs have been recorded by the likes of Nancy Vieira and Mayra Andrade.

Three decades later and with their egos aside, the core of the band reunited to put together a record, which contains tracks keen to an idea of theirs. Despite their time apart, Cabo Verde Show so smoothly reawakened their musical chemistry. If back then they could not agree upon the direction the band should have followed, it seems that the band members, now a little grayer but nonetheless wiser and still very creative, have trusted their initial instincts.

That is the main reason this record is appealing in that each member has an individual piece of music.  “Cabo Verde Show has always had its own style and we simply decided to maintain it,” said Manu Lima during a recent interview. “Or at least we tried not to get away from it. The new generation, today at 20/25 years old, who listened to our music when they were kids, will recognize it. We all gave it our best.”

Harmonically and rhythmically, this album not only reflects the distinctive mixture of genres from Cape Verde but also replicates the individual styles they so avidly favored as solo artists. For instance, Manu Lima, Rene Cabral, and Nando Da Cruz display their penchant for more pop, groovy tracks while Boy Gé stays faithful to his subtle, carefully nuanced guitar driven songs. “This album brings back the music people enjoyed so much. It is an album to particularly remember Cabo Verde Show from thirty years ago. It is simply us, Cabo Verde Show,” saidBoy Gé, who contributed three songs.

If this album is admittedly satisfying to them, it has a lot to do with their upbringings. The roots of Cabo Verde Show can be traced back to Paris, France, where in 1977 Manu Lima and Boy Gé Mendes surrounded themselves with Jean-Claude and Luis Silva to start a band. Growing up, these childhood friends, born and raised in the cultural melting pot of Dakar, Senegal, listened to Voz de Cabo Verde, Bana, and Luís Morais and later, when they moved to France, they were exposed to a wider variety of music. With a rising arsenal of originals cover songs they heard on the radio, they started rehearsing behind closed doors. As soon as the band was formed, it became obvious that they wanted to adapt the music from the aforementioned Capeverdean legends to the myriad of 1960s and 70s sounds.

Manu Lima and Boy Gé, two of the most influential bandleaders and composers, were outstanding musicians but both had clear set of ideas regarding the direction of the band and the music it should play. Their differences created internal conflicts and following the release of the band’s debut album, “Recordo Penssa,” the band split up into two projects. Prior to going solo, Boy Gé joined his brother and founded the group Mendes Mendes. Cabo Verde Show recruited Rene Cabral as the lead singer and continued its journey.

Regardless of their rift, Cabo Verde Show and Boy Gé made waves in music, but separately. With a sound that drew deeply on African, Rock & Roll, Pop and Reggae influences, Cabo Verde Show, led by Manu Lima who became the grand architect of Afro-Zouk, rose to stardom by releasing a string of successful albums, all anchored in Manu’s heavy keyboard riffs and the Afro-Caribbean-influenced style he stitched together. Boy Gé, on the other hand, built an outstanding musicianship, displaying his versatility as a guitarist, songwriter, and singer. He played an important role in molding Capeverdean music, beginning with the breakout album “Grito De Bo Fidje,” which was released in 1981.

As a group or as solo artists, they all had a great impact on Capeverdean music, and certainly on the music you hear today. The impressive number of music they have recorded undeniably paved the way for several generations of artists, particularly Splash, Livity, Philippe Monteiro, and many others, who have drawn inspiration from their well-heeled repertoire and are now following in their legendary footsteps. Those old enough to have been listening in the 1980s certainly remember them when they first came onto the scene with hit songs such as Teteya, Milena or Bo ca Sabe. For younger listeners, “Cabo Verde Show 2008” absolutely serves as evidence that the sound of Cabo Verde Show shares an affinity with the pop style of today’s music scene.

The six-piece band--Eduino (accordion, vocals), Bino (vocals), Adão (bass), Jorge Pimpa (drums), Manel di Tilina (percussions) and Pito (cowbell/buzio), has been celebrating incessantly their 12 years in the music scene with performances throughout the islands including music festival Baia das Gatas.

Now with even newer projects on the horizon, the band has signed a protocol formally announcing a deal with Cape Verde-based Tecnicil Industria (Aguas de Cabo Verde), as a major local sponsor.

Formed in 1996, Ferro Gaita remains one of Cape Verde‘s long-lasting bands of the recent times known for revolutionizing the traditional sounds of Santiago by taking the sounds of funana elsewhere.  The band has released chart-toppers “Rei di Funana,” (2001), “Bandera Liberdade,” (2003) and “Finkadu na Raiz” (2006).

Leaning forward on the edge of a brown leather couch in his Praia home, he taps fingertips counting off native and visiting musicians that spent time in his childhood Espargos home: guitarist Tanino Evora, pianist Tututa Evora, composer Antero Simas author of Doce Guerre (Sweet War), an ode to Cabo Verde lovingly delivered by Cesaria Evora on the closing cut of her blockbuster Cesaria, and the way-back godfather of guitar solos, Luis Rendall. “My father, Manuel Eugenio Spencer Brito, played guitar so it was only natural that other musicians would come into our home,” Nhelas recalls.  His father also “…worked at (Sal International) airport refueling aircraft and became friendly with a flight crew from Brazil who would bring him coffee and music, mainly sambas and bossa novas.” Espargos seemed as much a home as a laboratory of sound and ideas where the presence of artists and music opened the ears and nurtured the imagination of Manuel Brito’s youngest son.

Sal’s most famous favorite son was Nhelas Spencer’s childhood friend, Ildo Lobo. “We grew up together in Sal, went to high school together in Mindelo and even had a band together, called ‘Improviso’.” After high school, Spencer went to Romania where he studied Veterinary Sciences and the guitar. During this period (1975-1982), he began composing. He talks of writing his first morna, Nha terra escalabrode (My unforgiving land). “I composed it on the island of Crete. It’s a song remembering Cabo Verde but below (the surface) a comment on social conditions and discrimination in Europe at the time.” Nha terra would become a classic sung by many of Cape Verde’s premier vocalists. But the one singer most associated with this song is Nhelas’ old friend, Ildo Lobo, who had moved to Praia and became the lead vocalist of the ground breaking group “Os Tubarões” (The sharks).

Not long ago in a café on Avenida Lisboa in Praia, Tubarões bassist Mario ‘Russo’ Bettencourt reflected on the specialness of the group and why they are, to this day, so fondly remembered: “When we traveled to Lisbon in 1975, we were the first band to travel from Cape Verde. We were like a brand from Cape Verde. People would look at us and see the flag.”  And it wasn’t just in Cape Verde that people looked upon Tubarões as a Kriolu touchstone. “We played a lot of music about emigration so it could connect us to the Diaspora,” Russo continues, “And we were the messengers who would come back to Cabo Verde telling about the lives of the emigrants.” But someone had to provide wind for the flag and ink for the message because with the exception of Ildo, theirs’ was a band of interpreters, not composers. Since the beginning, Tubarões depended heavily on the poignant pens of Manuel D’Novas and Renato Cardosa but in 1982, a breeze ruffled the flag from another direction: the perspective of an emigrant coming home. It was the year that, with degree in hand, Daniel Spencer returned to Cape Verde and settled in Praia and in a short matter of time he bumped into old friend, Ildo Lobo, who asked upon their reuniting, “How’s your music?”  It was good enough that within a year, Nhelas’ music wound up on the self titled Os Tubarões release. Among his four contributions was Nha terra escalabrode. “Ildo always liked to sing that song,” recalled Russo, “He would say to us ‘Listen to those lyrics’.” Russo half sings and half recites a couple of lines and returns, “Those lyrics capture the essence of Cabo Verde.” Spencer’s music would cast a wide net as some of his compositions accompanied by his guitar found their way onto sodade-drenched LP compilations like Grupo Cultural Mantenha and Camin d’America.  His lyrical point of view struck a chord with musician and listener alike. Spencer’s songbook always stayed within reach of Os Tubarões up to their final 1994 session: Porton D’Nos Ilha (Door to our island), where Missao D’Servico (The Assignment) serves up an inspirational coledera garnished with salsa-laced horns and keys. It would be his final contribution to the disbanding supergroup.

His musical assignments gave way to public service ones when the electorate sent Nhelas Spencer to the Capeverdean National Assembly as a Deputado for 10 years. There, he studied the archipelago’s rich, diverse marine life and focused on the essentialness of preserving it for future generations. He found himself on the “Quality of Marine Resource’s” Committee helping write laws protecting sea turtles. “We took (turtle eggs) for granted when I was young and my family thought nothing of hunting them,” he says, “But through research and education, I changed my thinking and understood the need to protect this natural resource.”  Deputado days behind him, Spencer expends his energy on another issue he deems vital: Capeverdean composers. “Now,” he concludes, “I’ve gone from protecting one natural resource to another.”  Three years ago the “Society of Capeverdean Authors” or S.O.C.A. was formed with David Hopffer as President, Nhelas Spencer Vice-President and almost 200 members who saw their cause as one of great artistic and cultural importance: copyright protecting the music and compositions of Capeverdean artists. It is a mission that Nhelas takes seriously enough to invest and enroll in law school with the intention of introducing and moving forward legislation in the National Assembly to achieve this goal.

With all this going on, Nhelas Spencer’s mornas and colederas still manage to find their way to the voices of Cesaria Evora, Ana Firmino, Celina Pereira, Fantcha, Djurumani and Mobafuco. More recently, he has migrated to the studio lending compositions and guitar to old friend and Romanian travel mate Nhonho Hopffer on his Nhara Santiago CD and on present day gig-mate Djinho Barbosa’s Tras di Son (Beyond the sound), a recording with a ‘play on words title’ (Tradition), featuring some of the heavy weights of traditional Capeverdean music such as the inimitable Paulino Vieira, sax man Totinho, axmen Kako Alves and Hermani Almeida, rock solid Albertino and Russo on bass, forward sounding Kim Alves, the venerable vocals of Kaka Barbosa and other talent laden artists. In the not too distant future, armed with his guitar, Nhelas Spencer plans to record all his compositions instrumentally and for a man whose inspiration was salted in Espargos and chops peppered by guitar/virtuoso jazzmen Joe Pass and Kenny Burrell and Algerian swinger Fawzi Chekili, this is a recording to be eagerly anticipated.

The studio is the only place Nhelas Spencer is migrating to these days because while moving around may be one of the lynchpins of Capeverdean culture, Spencer is more than content to stay put. There is staying power in the lyrics of Poc li dente e tcheu (The little that we have) presented as an almost up tempo morna on Mayra Andrade’s Navega release and on Dudu Araujo’s Nos cantador CD where Nhelas’ coledera Cabverde visao d’coperante (Cape Verde a vision of cooperation), holds dear all that is Cabo Verde and sums up his conviction in the closing lines “I do not want to go no matter what. I do not want to leave Cabo Verde.”

Living in Praia gives Nhelas Spencer a front row seat to experience the new generation of Capeverdean artists. He is impressed by guitarists Kaku Alves and Hermani Almeida stringed wizardry and is beyond complimentary how Lura and Mayra interpret works of others. Then, there is the production work of Kim Alves whose ear sonically evolves yet remains true to traditional music. Spencer is high on the future of funana.  “Have you listened to Chando Graciosa?” he asks. “His music is so strong.” Mornas and colederas are another matter to Spencer. He is more than content with the present crop of interpreters but wonders about composing. It has nothing to do with talent but rather a certain missing main ingredient. He thinks out loud: “It’s harder to write about sodade or separation when you can get on a plane and be in Boston in 6 hours or Brazil in 3.”  It is a thought provoking point. But he quickly reminds his guest that lack of money can take away that option for many. This trail of thought leads him to consider the question that maybe the next great morna or coledera composer is but a child or has yet to be born? Nhelas Spencer settles comfortably back into the leathery embrace of his couch, exhales and smiles at the sound, “Yes. Perhaps, yes.”

Since opening its doors in the mid-nineties, taking the place of previously well-known discotheques like “Noites Longas” and “Baile,” B. Leza transformed into one of Lisbon’s favorite hotspots for live African music, as well as other art forms such as theater, film, photography and art expositions. 

In 2005, the announcement that the venue would soon close its doors spawned the documentary “B. Leza,” produced by Rui Lopes da Silva and Victor Pires, documenting the richness and importance of the venue’s multi-cultural nights in Lisbon, before it officially closed two years later. 

Recently, in an effort to keep the spirit of its lively nights and ambiance alive, the “B. Leza Itinerary” was launched (10/2007) to continuously organize special concerts in alternative venues for its die-hard fans throughout Portugal.

The show will also air on TV5 Afrique the following two days, December 7th and 8th. Mariana, who is currently touring Europe in support of “Mornador,” (2007) her third album, is scheduled to perform inside the prestigious Palais L’Alhambra (Paris) on January 29th 2009.

Her upcoming concerts this month will take place at the Auditorium de Wolluwé St. Pierre in Brussells, Belgium, on 12/06, and at the Blue Brass Jazz Club with The Brass Group in Palermo, Italy, on 12/12 and 12/13.

Born in Dakar, Senegal, Mariana Ramos is known for her jazz-influenced mixture of morna, coladera, funana and samba. The daughter of musician Toy “de Bibia” Ramos from the legendary band Voz de Cabo Verde, burst in the music scene with the album “Di Dor En Or” (2000) and followed with “Bibia” (2004).

TV5 is the world’s first French station with seven channels broadcasting from Paris to Belgium, Switzerland, Europe, Africa, Pacific Asia, the East, South America and the United States, covering everything from politics, films, sports and documentaries. It is transmitted in nine languages and in more than 200 countries and territories throughout the world with about 54 million spectators tuning in each week, making TV5 into one of the largest television networks in the world.

Through this project about 3269 5th and 6th grade students from all 52 schools in the region of Santa Catarina on the island of Santiago are granted access to school supplies, better material as well as learning conditions. 

The benefit dinner/concert will feature traditional Capeverdean dishes, live performances by Tito Paris and friends, and an expo of paintings by Marco Ayres. A percentage of the proceeds will benefit the Escola Feliz project in Santiago.

Escola Feliz was developed in 2006 by CIC-Portugal, an association for cooperation, interchange and culture, which emerged in the early nineties and is currently registered in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; CIC-Portugal seeks to develop cooperative acts, interchange and culture in Portugal and developing countries.

“Radio Mindelo,” which will be released this week in Cape Verde, features 22 tracks recorded at Radio Barlavento studios (between 1962 and 1964) in Sao Vicente, Cape Verde, at the very beginning of Cesaria’s singing career under the tutelage of Gregorio “Ti Goy” Gonçalves.

Most of the songs on Radio Mindelo are exclusive but Cesaria’s fans will find some of her greatest hits such as "Cize,” "Terezinha,” “Sangue di Beirona,” and “Caminho de São Tomé.”

Cesaria, who was born on August 27, 1941, in Mindelo, Cape Verde, will only perform songs from Radio Mindelo and will be accompanied by some of the musicians who participated in this record including guitarist Armando Tito.

Dany is scheduled to perform today at Cesaria Restaurante in Boston, MA, followed by Restaurante Luanda in Brockton on Sunday, November 23rd.  On 11/29th, Dany will appear at Club Recordacoes De Portugal in New Bedford, MA. He previously performed at Restaurante Tropical in Pawtucket, RI.

Dany officially introduce Caminho Longi during a private show at the Maxime in Lisbon, Portugal on September 18, 2008. This album has received substantial airplay on Portugal’s TSF, Radio Africa, RTP 1, and Rádio Comercial.

This 12-track record, produced by American songwriter/producer Barry Marshall, who has produced LaVern Baker, Peter Wolf, and Aimee Mann among others, features Morna and Coladera as well as Blues, Jazz, Salsa, R&B, Semba, and includes a duet with American singer Philip Hamilton (Mama Africa).

A native of Cape Verde, Dany Silva started his career in Portugal in the 1960s. He recorded his first album, “Lua Vagabunda,” in 1986, followed by “Sodadi Funaná” in 1991 and “Tradiçon” in 2000.

The event, which seeks to bring together artists of diverse generations and backgrounds, will take place at Cité de Congrés in Nantes and will feature dance, theater and other impromptu shows.

Gabriela is also expected in the Netherlands some weeks later, where she is scheduled to perform in Rotterdam’s De Doelen on 15/01/09, Club Rasa (Ultrech) on 16/01/09, and Tropentheater (Amsterdam) on 18/01/09.  Also on the singer’s calendar is a trip to Belgium for a concert at the Center for World Cultures, Antwerpen, on 17/01/09.

The Capeverdean-based singer debuted on the scene in 2005 with the album, “Tradição,” (Tradition) released in France and Cape Verde, featuring traditional rhythms and compositions from the likes of Tchéka, Manuel D’Novas, Vasco Martins and Tibau Tavares.

A multidisciplinary/intellectual project sponsored by the City Hall of Lisbon, this cultural event will gather artist from Cape Verde, Portugal, China, Brazil, Russia, Angola, Ukraine, India, and many other countries.

Mario Lucio, who is currently touring Europe in support of his latest record “Badyo,” is scheduled to perform in Austria on November 17th and 18th, in Czechoslovakia on 11/19th, in Germany on 11/21st, and in Austria again on 11/23rd.  He previously performed in Lollar and Potsdam, Luxembourg.

Mario Lucio, a traditionalist and exceptional instrumentalist, was a member of Simentera, a group with whom he began exploring the different styles and rhythms of Cape Verde. With this exceptional group he released “Raiz,” “Cabo Verde en Serenata,” and “Tr’adictional.” As a solo artist, he released “Mar e Luz” in 2004, followed by “Ao vivo e aos outros,” a live CD recorded at the auditorium of Universidade de Aveiro in Portugal in 2006.

The crowd broke into cheering when Norberto, who has publicly suffered a long battle with diabetes and high blood pressure, slowly made his way through the crowded room to a table in front of the stage where he spent the majority of night shaking hands, hugging his friends and family, and diligently posing for pictures.

The ceremony, which was held in his hometown of New Bedford, MA, started with a buffet-table dinner and “Journey of a Badiu: The Story of Capeverdean Musician Norberto Tavares,” a documentary film focusing on his life and career, which was directed by Susan Hurley-Glowa.

Following brief remarks by Mayor Scott W. Lang, the audience turned their attention towards the stage where an outstanding six-piece band--Dicki (Guitar), Claudio Ramos (keyboards), Steve (Drums), Feliciano (Bass), and Junior (Percussions)--accompanied the night’s performers such as Naiss Roberto, Calu Bana, Candida Rose, Galvao, and Toi Pinto.

Norberto, not as healthy as we are accustomed to see him, was introduced on stage accompanied by some of the members of Tropical Power, a band he put together with his brother Tony Tavares in 1979. A brave Norberto performed some of his greatest hits, including “Mundo sta di Boita” and “Maria.”  Though his voice was not as balanced as previously, Norberto held his own, prompting a mass sing-along.

“I have been a big fan of his but I am here because he needs our help, whatever we can do to help him. When I look around me and see all these people here tonight, it tells me that he has done something good for all of us,” said Anita Gomes of Swansea.

Also a recipient of a special, engraved recognition plaque, which symbolizes his career accomplishments, Norberto was also joined by singes Zéca di Nha Reinalda and Belinda Lima, who came from Cape Verde, and Ambassador of Cape Verde in Washington DC Fatima Veiga. Said Zéca: “Cape Verde owes a lot to Norberto Tavares. Even if the entire Cape Verde came here tonight, it would not have been enough to pay him back.”

At the end of the night, everyone was invited to sing “Nôs Cabo Verde di Sperança,” without a doubt Norberto’s most symbolic song.  Norberto, who was recently inducted in the Capeverdean Heritage Hall of Fame, was honored as the Ultimate Legend at this charity event but the crowd was surely the story of the night. Knowing the tough challenge that Norberto is facing, people showed their support to a man who has become part of Cape Verde’s cultural patrimony. 

“I want to thank all the musicians and those who came here tonight to be part of this event. I also want to thank Tony Neves for putting this incredible event together,” said Norberto Tavares.

Carmen, whose upcoming tour is scheduled to begin in February/March 2009, is also scheduled to perform in Lisbon’s cabaret-style inspired venue Maxime on 11/14, following a televised interview on the program “Musicas d’Africa” airing on RTP Africa/International.

The London-based musician will be backed by five-piece band Theo’ Pascal (Bass), Pedro Segundo (Percussion), Victor Zamora (Acoustic Piano) and Tiago Santos (Guitar).

Other scheduled stops on Carmen’s current tour are London Jazz Festival (at Ray's Jazz) on 11/15, Theater Zuidplein (Rotterdam, Holland) on 10/16, Green Note (London) on 01/30/09, and St. Stethelburgas on 02/20/09 (London).

Since her debut in 2005 with the release of the critically-acclaimed album “Ess ê nha Cabo Verde” (This is my Cape Verde), Carmen has performed in prestigious music festivals throughout the world, such as WOMAD (UK), Toronto Afro Festival, Vancouver Island Music Festival, (Canada), Ulsan World Music Festival (South Korea), Bray Jazz Festival (Ireland) and Bam Festival (Barcelona).

She recently released “Verdade,” (Truth) under German label Connecting Cultures; the new album further explores Carmen’s unique sound by continuing to blend traditional Capeverdean rhythms with folk and jazz influences.

Scheduled stops on the musician’s agenda are, Montréal’s La Tohu on 11/12, La Tuque’s Complexe Culturel Félix-Leclerc on 11/13, Maison des Arts de Laval inside Salle André-Mathieu on 11/14, Le Palace de Granby on 11/15, Sainte-Foy’s Palais Montcalm on 11/18, Théâtre du Saguenay (Opera World) on 11/19, Gatineau’s Centre Culturel du Vieux-Aylmer on 11/21, and Centre Culturel de Joliette on 11/22.

Tchéka is also scheduled to take the stage in Centre Culturel de Drummondville on 11/25, Sherbrooke’s Salle Maurice-O'Bready on 11/26, Longueuil’s Théâtre de la Ville (Salle J.L. Millette) on 11/27, LaSalle’s Centre Culturel et Communautaire H Lemieux (Théâtre du Grand-Sault) on 11/28, and Maison de la Culture de Trois-Rivières (Salle Anaïs-Allard-Rousseau) on 11/29. 

The singer will wrap up the Canada tour with a show inside Théâtre du Vieux Saint-Jean (Cabaret) on 12/04, before heading back to Europe, where he is slated to perform in Brussels, Belgium, on 12/13.

Tchéka, who released “Lonji,” (Faraway) his third studio album in the U.S. by Times Square Records (2007) is a nominee for KORA All Africa Music Awards in the category of Best African singer, scheduled for spring 2009.

Scheduled to kick off the festival on 11/6th are Mingo Rangel (Portugal), Batuque Finka-Pé (Cape Verde), Supa (Portugal), Bandoodjah (Brazil), Katharsis (Portugal), and Chaparro & Banda (Brazil).

On 11/7th, Guto Pires (Guinea-Bissau), Balet Brasil (Brazil), Baboza (Portugal), Zuul Nation, Black Bombain, and Dame Bete (Mozambique) will share the spotlight.

Musidanças will conclude on 11/8th with Lindu Mona (Angola), Wonderfull’s Kova M, Atma, Kaja Bucalho, Mundo Complexo, and Manif3stos. Besides music and dance, the festival will also feature different workshops and art exhibits.

Created in 2001 by Angolan singer/composer Firmino Pascoal, Musidanças’ main objective is to promote the arts and culture of all Lusophone countries (Portugal, Angola, Brazil, Mozambique, Cape Verde, São Tomé e Príncipe, Guinea-Bissau, and East Timor).

Musidanças has previously welcomed artists such as Sara Tavares, Braima Galissa, Terrakota, Pedro Moreno, Tonecas, Fernando Terra, Arte Pura Capoeira, Nancy Vieira, Theo Pascal, Batuke Juntamó, Celina Pereira, Kulirimar, Aldo Mila, Jovens do Hungu, José Beiramar etc…

Scheduled to perform are Elizio, Kaysha, Fanny J, Slai, Marc-Antoine, Mokobé, Les Déesses, Jessy Matador, Thierry Cham, Warren, Face a Face, Costuleta, Marvin, Thayna, Priscilia, Kennedy, and Elody Marquant.

Organized by OrganiZouk, this unprecedented event, which will be animated by DJ Jairo, gathers singers from Guyana, Martinique, Guadeloupe as well as Cape Verde.

One of the largest music scenes in Paris, Zenith de Paris, which opened its doors in 1984, has earned a reputation for being a modern, hi-tech and architecturally beautiful venue that has welcomed some of the world’s best musicians/artists.

On November 14th & 15th, 2008, Nancy will be accompanied solely by pianist Paulo Borges during which she will perform songs that are not part of her repertoire, but instead are universal themes that she normally sings to herself.

This concert series began on 10/24th with Mário Laginha’s performance and will continue over the next few weeks as each invited artist takes turns to step on stage in the Winter Garden for two consecutive evenings. Scheduled to perform are JP Simões on 11/07 and 11/08, and Bernardo Sassetti on 10/31 and 11/01.

Nancy, whose voice has been deemed “golden” by music maestro Paulino Vieira, is the first Capeverdean to sign with current label, HM Musica.  In 2007, she released “Lus,” an all-acoustic album featuring morna, coladera, funaná, and batuku, as well as samba and bossa nova, Cuban danzón and landó of Peru.

The campaign, which was launched by ICASE (Instituto Cabo-Verdiano de Acção Social Escolar) on October 10th 2008, under the motto “Give each student an opportunity,” is the government’s latest plan to support thousands of students in various school levels by putting in place a network of ex-beneficiaries, businesses, public and private officials and artists. 

As the face of the campaign, Gilyto, who has already gotten involved by adopting a student, will help promote investment in education and provide students in Cape Verde with an opportunity to succeed academically. Those interested in learning more about how to adopt a student may visit the web site, www.icase.cv.

Gilyto is scheduled to perform in Pinhal Novo, Portugal on 11/06/08, and in Madrid on 11/08/08.  He emerged in the music scene in the late 1990s and soon caught the public’s attention with his eye-popping dance moves.  The singer’s most recent albums include, “Cabo Zouk in Brazil,” “Live@Luxembourg,” (2008) and “Traduson Pa Tradison,” (2007).

Tito, who earlier this month performed in Spain and Luxembourg, will be joined by an array of guests throughout the night, which will feature plenty of entertainment, including music and dance.  The group Batucadeiras will start the show at midnight, followed by performances from Avelino Chantre and Joana, as well as hot spins by DJ Sabura.

Tickets to this night-long event also include dinner, Cape Verde’s traditional dish catchupa.  Armazém F is located in Rua Cintura, Porto 65, Santos, Lisbon.

One of the most promising musicians of his generation, Tito Paris has released chart-topping albums such as, “Aula Magna,” (2006), “Graça de Tchega,” (1996), “Live in Lisbon,” (1998), and “Dança ma mim criola,” (1994).

Maria Alice, who is well-known in the Portuguese music circuit for her memorable interpretations of Capeverdean morna and coladera, officially released “Tocatina” on September 15th 2008. 

With her new album, the daughter of Sal-born musician Ti Custod attempts to recreate the ambiance of the impromptu-driven music scene of the 1960s, which at the time dominated Capeverdean stages.

“Tocatina, “which was recorded under musical direction of Humberto Ramos, is Maria Alice’s fifth album.  She previously released “Lágrima e Súplica,” (2002) “D’zemcontre,” (1996) “Ilha d’Sal,” (1993) and “Força di mãe” (1992).

One of the oldest theaters in Lisbon, Teatro da Trindade is known for showcasing an array of arts and entertainment events, ranging from films, dance, and theatrical plays to art displays and music.

In the wake of a career spanning close to four decades, Ildo left behind a legacy that will inspire many generations to come. First reaching stardom as frontman for “Os Tubaroes,” a band he joined in 1974, the group burned itself into the collective musical consciousness of Cape Verde with their 1977 premier recording “Pépé Lopi,” which blasted across radio waves throughout the country. This album and many others that followed--Tchon di morgado, Djonsinho Cabral, Tabanka, Tema para dois, Boti Braço e Linha, and Porton di nos ilha--confirmed Ildo as one of the leading singers of his time, blessed with a staggering voice that was unlike any other Capeverdean male singer. “As a singer, he was definitely one of the best in Cape Verde. As a human being, he was also a great individual. He always treated everyone with care and respect. He was also very loyal but if you rub him the wrong way, you would see his temper” says Duia Brazão, former band mate and drummer of “Os Tubaroes.”

After the breakup of “Os Tubaroes” in the early nineties, the inimitably incomparable performer started a solo career and it evidently became apparent what direction he would be taking musically. His three albums--“Nos Morna” in 1997, “Intelectual” in 2001, and the bestseller “Incondicional,” released a month after his death--would have certainly rocketed him to international stardom. “We can say that Ildo had two different careers, one with Tubaroes, and one as a solo artist. He was just beginning to be known internationally, especially after his second solo album came out. I often wonder what would have happened to his career if he lived longer,” says Zé Rui de Pina.  “I grew up listening to him. We all want to emulate him, be like him. That’s why we all have this great responsibility to follow in his footsteps and carry the torch,” adds musician/singer Tó Alves.

Throughout his illustrious career, Ildo, who started his singing career with the band Madrugada, recorded some of the most beautiful Capeverdean songs, some of his own composition and others from other songwriters. His unique ability to handpick his songs led him to Manuel d’Novas who would become his closest friend and most reliable songwriters. “I met Ildo when he was with Os Tubaroes. We immediately became friends and over the years our relationship got stronger. We were like brothers, like two brothers,” recalls Manuel d’Novas. It’s no coincidence that Ildo ended up recording “Biografia dum Criol,” “Nh’armon,” and “Nos Morna,” some of Manuel d’Novas best and most memorable songs, which helped establish Ildo’s career. 

Born on November 25, 1953 in Sal, Ildo found music at home with his father Antonio Sousa Lobo, also a musician. At the age of 16, he moved to Praia, the Capital of Cape Verde, to pursue his education, but in his luggage an acoustic guitar (a gift from his uncle). Little did he know that he would later become a renowned singer. This always unflappable singer will be remembered as the true master of morna and coladera and unquestionably the most talented Capeverdean entertainer/singer of his generation and possibly of all time. For his sister Filomena Lobo, Ildo was more than just a singer or a brother. “People know Ildo because he was a singer, but there is more to him that people don’t know about. Ildo should be best remembered for what he did for other people. He spent his life helping others without ever asking anything in return. He was really not a materialistic person in any way, he liked to give,” she says.

Ildo Lobo Remembered.             

Fantcha-singer/friend

Ildo Lobo was an inspiration to me as an artist.   He fought to put traditional Capeverdean Music in the pedestal where it rests today. He was, is and will always be in our memory and to me he will forever have a special place in my heart.

Gilyto Semedo-Singer

When we lost Ildo, we lost half of our music. Unfortunately, we will never hear his music completely. Ildo has been an inspiration for the new generations of Capeverdean musicians. He is an idol for all lovers of our culture. I knew him as a simple man, a friend supportive of all of those who fought to improve our culture.

Mariana Ramos-Singer

Ildo will remain one of the best interpreters of Morna. I know you will keep on inspiring us every time we hear your masterly and generous voice.

Nancy Vieira-Singer

Ildo was friends with my parents. He would talk about the moments we spent together when I was a child. Death is a sure thing but it always gets us by surprise. But let’s just try to remember the way he always sung “Cabral ka morri.” Ildo Lobo ka morri, nem é ka ta morri.”

Zé Rui de Pina-Musician/singer

Ildo was an inspiration for the new generation of singers. We have learned a lot from him and from the way he proudly represented our country and culture. Our country, Cape Verde, lost a Giant. We will miss him and his music tremendously.

Mayra Andrade-Singer

The show, which is scheduled to take place inside Clube Recordações de Portugal in Norberto’s hometown, New Bedford, MA, will feature performances by vocalists Zeca di Nha Reinalda and Belinda Lima as well as local musicians.

Norberto, who became widely-known for his social activist views in Cape Verde in the 1970s, has publicly suffered a long battle with diabetes and high blood pressure and is currently undergoing treatment while he waits for a kidney transplant.

The singer, whose music career spans more than three decades, is known for his unique style and compositions, ranging from funana to batuku.  He previously released albums such as, “Jornada di um badiu,” (1989) “Hino di unificaçon,” (1993) “Maria,” (1998) and “Best Of” (2005). 

In 2005, a documentary film focusing on Norberto’s life and career, “Journey of a Badiu: The Story of Capeverdean Musician Norberto Tavares, also made its screening debut in select venues throughout the U.S.

Those interested in making a contribution through attendance or otherwise may do so through the following postal address and contact number: Norberto Tavares, P.O. Box 63022, New Bedford, MA 02746; 508-996-1332.

Tchéka is nominated in the category of Best African singer for the song “Sabu,” which is part of “Lonji,” (faraway) his third studio album released in the United States by Times Square Records on May 27th, 2008.

Tchéka, the winner of RFI (Radio France International) Award, is nominated alongside Ba Cissoko (Guinea), Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni Ba (Mali), Alioune Mbaye Nder  and Black Diamond (Senegal), Oliver Mtukudzi (Zimbabwe), Achalle, Bright Phase and Petit Pays(Cameroon), Pierre Akendingue, Patience Dabany, Oliver N’Goma (Gabon), Becca, Irenne & Jane, Samini, Shasha Marley (Ghana) as well as France-based Capeverdean singer Elizio.

Tchéka joins a long list of other Capeverdean artists who were previously nominated, including Suzanna Lubrano, who won in 2003, Ferro Gaita, Dulce Matias, Cesaria Evora, and LA MC Malcriado.

Slated for April 11th, 2009 in Lagos, Nigeria, this year's KORA Awards is expected to be bigger in all ramifications as the Best Artist in Africa will receive $1 million (U.S. Dollar). Adjudged by CNN as the biggest musical event in Africa, the KORA Awards, which is the counterpart of the Grammy Awards, was founded in 1994 by Benin’s diplomat, Ernest Adjovi, who saw KORA as an excellent opportunity to globally promote and spread the rich variety of African music.

The Portugal-based musician, who re-released his seventh album, “Acoustic,” in 2007 (World Connection) is also scheduled to perform in Luxembourg at the Luxembourg Conservatory on Saturday, October 11th.

Tito Paris, who began his career as a guitarist/composer in the 1980s and later bassist for  the legendary band Voz di Cabo Verde, is well-known for his remarkable guitar licks and grave vocals on recorded hits like Morna PPV, Estrela di bô corpo, Sodade, Poema Tropical and Febre di Funaná.

Born in Cape Verde, the singer has previously released chart-topping albums such as “Aula Magna,” (2006) “Guilhermina,” (2002) “Graça de Tchega,” (1996) “Live in Lisbon,” (1998) and “Dança ma mim criola” (1994).

Lura, who toured the United States this past spring, will then perform in Baltimore, MD, on 10/4th and in Amherst, MA, on 10/9th.

The highlight of this tour will be Lura’s stops in New York City and Boston, MA. She will perform at the Zankel Hall on October 10th where she is scheduled to jump start “Women of Note,” Carnegie Hall’s new world music series, which also features Afropop superstar Angelique Kidjo (11/1st) and Latin Grammy winner Lila Downs (3/20th).

On Sunday October 11th, Lura, whose new album will hit the stores in 2009, will return to a familiar place, Boston’s Berklee Performance Arts Center, where she will be performing for the third time in as many years.

Flaunting her mixed repertoire, which contains coladera, funana, and upbeat batuku, amply displayed on her latest album “M'Bem Di Fora,” this native of Lisbon, Portugal, from Capeverdean parents, will head to Lincoln, NE (10/14), followed by Minneapolis, MN (10/15), Madison, WI (10/16), Cleveland, OH (10/18), Vancouver, BC Canada (10/22), Olympia, WA (10/23), and Modesto (10/24) and Los Angeles, CA (10/25).

Lura, who was recently part of Portugal’s fifth annual Encontro de Culturas (Meeting of Cultures), has released chart-topping albums “Nha Vida” (1996), followed by “In Love” (2002), and “Di Korpu Ku Alma” (2004).

Cesaria, a 2004 Grammy Award winner, will make her way across the U.S. with stops for concerts in Washington on 10/5, in Santa Barbara on 10/7, in Berkeley on 10/9 & 10/10 and Los Angeles on 10/11 (CA).

The Barefoot Diva, who began her North American tour in Canada with shows in Ottawa on 9/25th, in Montreal on 9/26th, and in Toronto on 9/27th, will head back to Europe after touring the U.S. 

A native of Cape Verde, Cesaria began her singing career in her mid-fifties, paving the way for younger generations of Capeverdean artists.  Her most recently released albums include, “Rogamar,” (2006), “Voz d’Amor,” (2003), “São Vicente De Longe” (2001), and “Café Atlântico” (1999).

Morais started his career at the end the 1950s on Radio Barlavento in his native São Vicente, Cape Verde. Hailing from a family of musicians and as an apprentice of Master Reis (Jose Alves Dos Reis), who began teaching him the rudiments of music at an early age, Morais later reinforced his musical education in Dakar (Senegal), a training ground for many African and Capeverdean stars. For eight years he frequented the conservatory of music, Ecole Désaire, and performed at local night cabarets where his saxophone and clarinet jolts helped him become a highly sought after musician.

Playing alongside fellow countrymen Bana, Morgadinho and Jean da Lomba as well as musicians from Cameroon, Ghana, and Senegal, Morais was always a prized addition to any musical ensemble. Along the way he was introduced to Brazilian Samba and Bossa Nova, Jazz, and Latin-American Rhythms such as Merengue, Cumbia, and Cha-cha, which by the 1950s and 1960s were appreciated around the world. Slowly he began integrating these sounds in his compositions, keeping the traditional shape of Capeverdean styles but altering the rhythmic structures, especially on Coladera that was inspired by Cuban music.

Morais conquered the upper classes of Dakar with his enthused new style and his nightly appearances became known as Coladera Nights. Despite his successes, Morais decided to change scenery looking for another musical challenge. Morais, also known as Ti Lis, arrived in Rotterdam, Holland, in 1965. A year later he co-founded the band Voz de Cabo Verde with Frank Cavaquinho, Bana, and Toi d´Bibia and then Jean de Lomba, Morgadinho, and later Djosinha, who, like Morais, also had passion for music from South America. “Back then the music of Cape Verde was unknown,” said Djosinha. “He (Luis Morais) found out that the best way for us to get into any kind of market was to have a repertoire crammed with Merengue, Cumbia, and Cha-cha. Otherwise we wouldn’t have been able to play or work anywhere. We would play a morna, a coladera here and there and people slowly started knowing our music.”

Throughout a five-decade career, both as the band’s musical director and as its saxophonist/clarinetist and also as a solo artist, Morais released an impressive number of albums while proving to be generations ahead of his time in composing works in diverse styles.  The music of Voz de Cabo Verde was heard across Europe and Morais jingle was as recognizable as the unmistakable voices of Adriano “Bana” Gonçalves and Djosinha. Following the break-up of the band in the late 1970s, Morais pursued his solo career and recorded and produced other artists. “He made a big impact in our music because of the particular way he composed and interpreted his music,” said Djosinha. “He was an outstanding soloist and his arrangements and compositions are reflections of his rich musical mind.”’

Morais passed away on September 25, 2002, in New Bedford, MA, just a few weeks before the release of his last album Novidades do Mindelo. That record, as well as his overall role in Capeverdean music as composer, performer, mentor, producer and arranger, will remain an essential aspect of Capeverdean culture and history.

Luis Morais’ Essentials:
-Boas Festas (1967): With Voz de Cabo Verde
-Romance de Nosso Amor (1967)
-Sensational (1969): With Voz de Cabo Verde
-Welcome (1969)
-Mona Linda (1972)
-Broadway (1973)
-Cabo Verde 74: Mornas e Coladeras (1974)
-Cumbia (1975)
-Best-of (1977)
-Fantasia (1978) with Bana
-Morena (1980) with Voz de Cabo Verde
-O internacional (1984)
-Choro de clarinet (1985) with Voz de Cabo Verde
-Sons de Cabo Verde (1991)
-Sentimento de Cabo Verde (1992)
-Lagrimas (1993)
-Nostalgia (1999)
-Novidade de Mindelo (2002)
-Best of Luis Morais (2003)

Produced by Humberto Ramos for Vachier & Associados, “Tocatina,” which was released on September 15th, 2008, features musicians such as Vaiss (Guitar), Jon Luz (Ukulele and Guitar), Adérito Pontes (Guitar), and Tó Barbosa (Violin).

A veteran singer, who began her music career in the 1980s, Maria Alice is a household name at African music’ sanctuary, B. Leza, in Portugal, who has also performed at the Coliseum of Lisbon, Paris’ New Morning Café as well as Montreal Jazz Festival.

Known for her exceptional interpretation of morna and coladera, she has shared the stage with an array of artists, ranging from Cesaria Evora, Paulino Vieira, Lura, Nancy Veira, and most recently in 2007, with Ana Moura during Lisbon’s Festa do Fado.

Also in 2007, Maria Alice’s vocalized version of “Pove Podê Pol Na Tchon”  was featured on “Lisboa@com.fusion,” a compilation produced by lusophone music specialist, Ariel Bigault/EMI Music, joining other top-notch artists such as Amelia Muge, Cool Hipnoise, Da Weasel, Filipa Pais, Kalaf, Lura, Madredeus, Mariza, Mind da Gap, Otis, Paulo Flores, Sara Tavares and Tito Paris.

“Tocatina,” a term used to describe intimate and impromptu concerts among a small group of people (often at friends and family gatherings), is the singer’s fifth album. This native of Sal, Cape Verde, previously released “Força di mãe,” (1992) “Ilha d’Sal,” (1993) “D’zemcontre,” (1996) and “Lágrima e Súplica” (2002).

Lura, who just resumed her tour on September 12th in Spain, is scheduled to perform in Azores’ Teatro Micaelense (Portugal) on 09/20, and will head to Poland for concerts in Krakow (Kino Kijou), 09/25, Zabrze (Dom Muzyki I Tanca) on 09/26, and Kielce (Kieleckie Centrum Kultury) on 09/27.

On October 1st, 2008 the singer will perform in Stockholm (Sweeden), before making her way to North America where she will headline a series of concerts through October 26th. 

Born in Portugal from Capeverdean parents, Lura has toured the world over since debuting in the music scene, becoming a hot ticket at World Music events from GlobalFest in New York City to the Lusophone Festival in Macau and China’s Music and Arts Festival of Shangai.

Known for her magnetic performances, which blend batuku, funana, mazurka, morna and coladera, she has released chart-topping albums “Nha Vida” (1996), followed by “In Love” (2002), “Di Korpu Ku Alma” (2004) and “M’Bem di Fora” (2006).

Marco recently made the trip from Norway to promote his latest single “O.D. 98,” which was released in the U.S. in March 2008 as a track on “Let me be heard: Vol. II,” a compilation album distributed by New York-based Power House Entertainment.

The track, which has been heavily promoted by Norwegian media outlets such as MTV Nordic, NRK and Voice TV, is one of the various music videos that could be selected by New York’s Africa Beat, for special viewing in Times Square.

In 2007 Marco made his first trip to North America, where he recorded “O.D. 98” in conjunction with Capeverdean-owned M&M Productions.  “It’s hard, but it’s progressing,” Marco, a new father, says of the steps taken in the music scene since, adding: “It’s given me another perspective as a musician, to speak the truth.”

Also on his promotional calendar is the upcoming release of his own mixtape, which he plans to make available for free download on the World Wide Web.

Born in Oslo, Norway from Capeverdean parents, Marco, who renamed himself RAW (Righteous African Warrior) emerged in 2002 as winner of an MC battle and later released the critically-acclaimed single “God” under his own label, Selassie Records.

“The greatest particularity of our identity, in my opinion, is our universality,” Mario Lucio said recently. “We were born of the crossing of cultures. We are a product of the 15th century, which was the century that saw the seed of globalization planted. From Africa came Mandingos, Wolofs, Mandjaks, Bantus, from Europe came Alentejans, Algarvios and Lisbon natives, and later Spanish, French, Dutch. And from this encounter emerged new men and new cultural products, which were later taken to Caracas, Cartagena das Índias, Cuba, Haiti, Santo Domingo, Brazil and North America as well. “Just to get an idea, the slave trade dates from 1466,” he added. “Brazil was discovered in 1500, Cuba in 1492. In other words, among the first blacks brought to Brazil were men born in Cape Verde, and they were already more than 30 years old. Cape Verde played an important role in the birth of a new world culture. So the musical influence doesn’t come from there to here, but goes from here to there.”

Renaissance man, musical genius and ahead of his time are phrases often glibly tossed about in praise of high achievers. In the case of Mario Lucio these descriptions are fitting. Lawyer, intellectual, poet, historian, author, playwright, multi-instrumentalist, arranger, bandleader and solo artist, the list of titles are almost too exhausting to mention. But for the 43-year-old native of Tarrafal, Santiago, who was educated at the University of Havana, formed the historical band Simentera in the mid-1990s (who recorded four compact discs) and who now is inaugurating an international solo tour to present his third and latest CD “Badyo,” Mario Lucio feels affirmation at doing what he loves.

In his latest release, he is at his provocative best. Mixing, blending and challenging his listeners to give themselves to the music and to experience the varying aura of Cape Verde’s diverse sounds influenced from both near and far off places. “One of my faults is that I don’t know how to be fashionable,” he said. “My most recent album is a mixture of these two paths, between the popular and the alternative, between the vulgar and the elaborate, between what the people expect and what we expect of the people. This fusion came naturally. The title Badyo refers to the first black freemen of Cape Verde. I’ve sought out their roots, their heritage, which is also our heritage, their path and their traces throughout the archipelago. And I found their ticks and their touches, their accent, their instruments, their talents, their oral tradition, their way of being, their laments.”

As a solo artist, Mario Lucio said he felt fully unrestrained in doing the music in his own personalized way, instead of taking into account the personalities and talents of various band members. “In the group we would all march together, and by myself I forge my own path,’’ he said. “In Simentera I followed the steps of the group, and now that I’ve gone solo I obey the rhythm of my heart. I began to feel this difference with Tr’adicitional, Simentera’s last album. The personalization of the work, the path in search of our own childhood memories and knowledge, the denuding of the individual are all things that become easier when one is solo. Badyo is the fruit of a great deal of moving down a solitary path. Above all, there are things we cannot ask others to do for us, because every individual feels them in his or her own way. And only we can do them the way we understand.”

Simentera, a nine-member band which appeared twice in the United States (Newark, N.J.) during its decade-long existence and was highly-regarded in Europe, was an eclectic assemblage of individuals with traditional music filtering through their veins. That reverence allowed them to pay homage to the various Capeverdean musical genres while also advancing their own creative individuality. But Mario Lucio, far and away, served as the band’s driving force, principal writer, arranger and embodiment.

“The group came about by chance, after a meeting that was attended by various musicians, singers and composers, and I suggested the creation of the group and Tony Lima suggested the name,’’ he said. “I was driven by the desire to work with Capeverdean music from a different perspective, reviving a number of different traditions, the teachings of various generations, the various proposals of other talents, and giving them a touch of contemporariness--in other words, a touch of the vocabulary of the 1990s, on the level of what was taking place in the world of folk and ethno music. My proposals were essentially new arrangements for acoustic instruments, the introduction of vocal polyphony and blending the specificities of various islands, the rustic and the erudite, Cape Verde and Africa, the Americas and Europe.”

Performed exclusively on acoustic instruments, the choice made by Simentera to eschew electronics kept the sound pure and demonstrated the staying power of the wood-toned instrumentation. Combined with an almost meditative and ethereal quality, Simentera sounded both firmly rooted and fresh producing a sound that could be readily identified by people worldwide. The multiple vocal harmonies, often playing the female voices off the men’s, introduced an acapella feel that often transported the mood and propelled the sound into another realm. “At first that was what we had, but it was also clear that that was what we wanted,” he said of the group’s instrumentation. “It was a question of fidelity and of image as well. It was as if we wanted to conquer the city, the stages and theaters of the world, with instruments used in informal playing sessions. That’s why we always thought that we should avoid including a drum set, bass or keyboards. And we knew that if our choice showed good results we would be passing on an economical way of having a band to the next generation, because each person can contribute with the instrument he or she has at home.’’

In his latest album, rich in conception, he is wearing the chain links associated with slavery around his neck, revealing the wellspring from which his latest work comes. He would probably be the first to say he didn’t emerge from a vacuum. If anything, it was the vast lineage of Cape Verde’s musicality that gave rise to him and to his generation of musicians now aiming for their place in world music.

“I consider myself an heir of a tradition with various different nuances, as I’ve explained,’’ he added. “I’ve learned with all of those who came before me, and I’ve also shared a lot with the newer generation that was born at the Quintal da Música: I come from Codé di Dona, Norberto Tavares, Zézé and Zéca di Nha Reinalda, Os Tubarões, Bulimundo. I started out in the group Abel Djassi, this intermediate generation between the pioneers in the modernization of Capeverdean music and the new sonority that reigns today on the island of Santiago. I lived in a military barracks, and this gave me a diversified vision of my country, of its different cadences and beats, of its mystic chants and songs, of the Europes and Africas that echo in its valleys, on its mountains and in its seas, in its festivities and its funerals.”

A friend of legendary Brazilian musician Gilberto Gil, Mario Lucio said he has had substantive discussions with Gil about multiple subjects, many based around the origin of the music the men have helped popularize and how more artists can make a living from it. “Whenever we meet we talk about our roots,’’ He said. “It was Gil who told me that in Bahia there is a category of people called Cape Verde Blacks. And once, when I insisted on explaining our musical similarities to him, with me defending the authenticity of Cape Verde, Gil told me, ‘Everything came from there, we know it’s Capeverdean music that gave rise to ours and not the other way around.’ But normally when we meet we talk more… about the Economy of Culture, about how to organize and make our cultural manifestations generate revenue, how to integrate our music into the world music market.”

Trained in Havana as an attorney, he has delved less into the profession as time has passed to concentrate on his music. “I was a lawyer for a number of years…but it’s harder when a musician is a public employee or an employee of a company--they’re never sure if they’re going to get authorization to go perform,’’ he said. “Paradoxically, they can’t quit their jobs either because they have no guarantee that they can live exclusively off music…However, when one’s musical career evolves into the international arena, it becomes incompatible with any other profession. One of them has to be practiced only during one’s free time. So I opted to quit practicing law.’’

Mario Lucio feels he is contributing to the enormous contribution that his country is making to a world besieged by war, greed and indifference to the suffering of a great deal of its population. “Music made Cape Verde visible,’’ he said. “I think it’s beautiful because it was music that invented Cape Verde as a Nation. We learn to sing before we learn to speak. So it’s simply fantastic that an African country is known not for hunger, war or disease, but for its art. I owe this to everyone who, in the cold or in the heat, in youth or in old age, on the stage or in the backyard, contributed to this feat.”

Dany Silva, who is also scheduled to perform this week at Casa Da Morna in Lisbon, will be accompanied by a four piece band, which includes José Afonso (piano), Zézé N’Gambi (drums), Paló (guitar) and Nandocas (bass).

“Caminho Longi,” which currently tops RTP Africa’s Musica de Africa show, was produced by American songwriter/producer Barry Marshall, who has produced LaVern Baker, Peter Wolf, and Aimee Mann among others.  It was recorded in part in the United States and includes collaborations from musicians such as Djim Djob, Ramiro Mendes, and Kalú Monteiro.

This 12-track record features Morna and Coladera as well as Blues, Jazz, Salsa, R&B, Semba, and includes a duet with American singer Philip Hamilton (Mama Africa).

This native of Cape Verde started his career in Portugal in the 1960s. In 1986, he recorded his first album, “Lua Vagabunda,” produced by Rui Veloso, followed by “Sodadi Funaná” in 1991 and “Tradiçon” in 2000. He is best known for hit songs such as “Branco Velho, Tinto e Jeropiga” and “Crioula de S. Bento.”

The festival’s 19th edition, which this year celebrates 200 years of the island’s history, will feature Cesaria Evora, Ferro Gaita, Grace Évora & Friends, Cabo Verde Show, as well as local bands, Os Cretcheu and Colectivo de Vozes do Sal.  Also on the program are Da Weasel (Portugal), Los Vava (Cuba), Band Axé Maria Caipirinha (Brazil) and Steel Pulse (Jamaica). 

Known for its vast white-sanded beaches and high-end resorts, Sal, which was named after its top commodity (salt), is one Cape Verde’s least mountainous islands, and is particularly known in the international arena as a top destination for tourists on the archipelago. 

Every year, in September, the island’s communities gather on the beach of Santa Maria, across from the Belo Horizonte Hotel to experience the two-day long music spectacle. 

Sodade: So tell me about your title as founder/director of World Music/CRASHarts.

MA: I am the Executive Director of World Music/CRASHarts an organization that I founded in 1990 to connect performing artists from cultures around the globe with audiences in greater Boston. After a decade of fulfilling that purpose, in 2001 World Music launched CRASHarts, a division of World Music dedicated to the presentation of contemporary performing artists. In 2002, the organization changed its name to World Music/CRASHarts to better reflect its synthesis into a multi-disciplinary performing arts organization.

S: How important (do you think) it is for Americans to embrace the music, culture, and the arts from Africa and other parts of the world?

MA: I think it is very important. I believe that the artistic experience is enriched when it gives people of all cultures the opportunity to have an effect on one another through cultural exchange.

S: Talk about the way you manage to create a fan base and the way you convinced them to come to your shows, especially since you must gamble and take risks to put these shows together.

MA: The most important audience development tool is to present artists of the highest quality so that our audience trusts our choices and in return the audience chooses our concerts over all the other entertainment options they might have available to them.

S: Walk me through the process of booking artists to play in the US. Are you looking for certain criteria before making the decision to book an artist?

MA: Foremost, I am looking for exceptional artists of the highest artistic quality. It helps if the artist has a record deal in the Unites States and a US based agent and it also helps if the artist is known to people in Boston. However, we are willing to present artists that people might never have heard of before if I believe in them.

S: You and your organization were the first to introduce Cesaria Evora here in the US. How did you hear about her?

MA: There was a buzz in Europe for Cesaria in the early 1990’s that I was following and I got a call from a Chicago based agency called Monterey International to ask me if I new of Cesaria.  I was one of the few promoters that they had called who had heard of her. They put together a small tour and we presented her in Boston.

S: When/how did you know that Cesaria had what it takes to conquer this particular audience?

MA: Simply put her voice. But with her talent a lot of things fell into place for her.  In the mid nineties the business model was very different to what it is today for music. The internet was in its infancy and record companies and print were still the driving force in breaking an artist. Cesaria was picked up by Sony/Non-Such a fantastic record company for world music artists at that time. The Morna was new to American ears and it captured the attention of world music radio stations as well as some mainstream radio stations. This airplay was huge for Cesaria as it allowed her to crossover to a much wider audience.

S: After Cesaria you brought other musicians from Cape Verde. What is so fascinating about Cape Verde and its artists?

MA: The many different styles of music. Cesaria is different to Lura, Lura is very different to Tchéka. One also has to pay compliment to the outstanding musicians from Cape Verde. All of these artists have incredible musicians playing with them.

QS: The music of Cape Verde is certainly at its best, especially since several talented artists have emerged. Do you think there’s a place for all of them?

MA: I wish I could be more optimistic because Capeverdean music and musicians are so talented. But unless you are living in an area of the Unites States that has a large Capeverdean population it will be difficult for all these great artists to find a place for themselves in the US market place. 

S: Do you feel fortunate to have a big Capeverdean community in this area that supports these artists?

MA: Of course. That’s what makes these concerts so great to present in Boston. Just last week one of our American audience members spoke to me at a concert and said that he loves going to see Capeverdean artists not only for the great music but because he felt that the large Capeverdean audience made those concerts very special. He felt the love between the artist and the audience.

S: Do you see the climate change for world music because of the internet downloads? 

The Portugal native, who has performed multiple times in the United States, including Chicago’s World Music Festival (2006), recently wrapped up a lengthy tour of Europe, and is in studio recording a new album slated for release in 2009. 

Sara first debuted in 1996 with “Sara Tavares & Shout” and followed with Gold Disc albums “Mi Ma Bô” (1998) and “Balancê” (2005), the latter further added to her success by topping ITunes 100, and bringing in BBC Radio 3 and Golden Globe Award  (Portugal’s answer to the Grammy’s) nominations.

Lura, who is currently in preparation for her new record due next year, will perform on Saturday, October 11th, 2008. This native of Lisbon, Portugal, to Capeverdean parents, is scheduled to tour the United States from October 3rd through October 26th.

Angelique Kidjo, a Grammy Award-winning Beninese singer-songwriter, will take the stage on Saturday, November 1st.  She will treat her fans with her diverse musical influences drawn from Afropop, Caribbean zouk, Congolese rumba, jazz, gospel, and Latin styles.

Beloved Mexican chanteuse Lila Downs will conclude this series on Friday, March 20th. A world class singer, Downs, a native of Tlaxiaco, Oaxaca, began singing ranchera music at an early age, and later sang at the fiestas of the towns in her mountain region, la Mixteca. She is best known for her electrifying performance at the World Festival of Sacred Music.

Every year Carnegie Hall introduces more than 200 performances by many of the world’s finest artists, presented on its three stages and throughout New York City in collaborations with many of the city’s leading cultural institutions.

On schedule to take the stage at the Bruisend Park are hip-hop artists D-Ment, Das Primeiro, GMB, The Fifth, The Greg, The Kid “Billy,” Forte Moda Grog, Dhem a Rush, Concept, Bloodspill, Eddo and G Boah, and music provided by DJ shall be DJ Seriuz.

This event will also feature women ensemble (Batucaderas) Grupo Casa Tiberias as well as spray painting and hands-on graffiti exhibits, break-dance by Star Force Rotterdam, and a fashion show (Fat Creations) courtesy of up and coming fashion designer Limor Arieli of the CCC Clothing Company.

Founded in Rotterdam, Holland, Unite Foundation’s main goal is to promote cultural projects and provide avenues for young people to use their talents and express their creativity through music and arts-related activities.

Teofilo, who recently released his fifth studio album “Viajá,” will join a star-studded line up, which includes artists such as Eugenio Bennato and Mimmo Epifani, Merolla, Pietra Montecorvino, Ornella Vanoni, Esha Tizafy Giovane, and Peppe Voltarelli, who will introduce his new album entitled “Distratto ma però.”

This festival will also feature Raiz, formerly of Mimmo Cavallaro, and a special telecast (serenade) via satellite from Toronto, Canada, where Eugenio Bennato will soon perform.

Teofilo, a native of São Nicolau, Cape Verde, is mostly known for penning songs for Cesaria Evora. He has released albums such as “Terra & Cretcheu” in 1993, “Di Alma” in 1997, “Rodatempo” in 2000, “Live” in 2002 and “Azulando” in 2004.

Also part of this impressive panel of judges are Tom Waits, Chaka Khan, Rob Thomas (Matchbox 20), Ray Davies (The Kinks), Jon Secada, T-Pain, Loretta Lynn, Jerry Lee Lewis and Ricky Martin. 

The complete list includes Neil Finn (Crowded House), Buckcherry, James Cotton, Craig Morgan, McCoy Tyner, Darryl McDaniels (Run DMC), Michael W. Smith, Chris Hillman (The Byrds), John Scofield, Mario, Black Francis (The Pixies), John Mayall, DJ Tiësto, Paul Van Dyk, Natalie Grant, Jeremy Camp, Matt Thiessen (Relient K), Pittbull, Sandra Bernhard, "Weird Al" Yankovic and David Brenner.

"The caliber of judges for the World Music category is particularly high this year, and we are really honored that these judges want to participate and listen to the songs of our entrants," says Candace Avery, Founder and Director of ISC.

ISC offers 20 categories, including World Music, Pop/Top 40, AAA (Adult Album Alternative), Rock, Country, Americana, R&B/Hip-Hop, Blues, Folk/Singer-Songwriter, Jazz, Latin Music, Instrumental, Dance/Electronica, Comedy/Novelty, Gospel/Christian, Children's Music, Lyrics Only, Teen, Performance, and Music Video.

Opened annually to all musicians, artists, and songwriters, ISC is one of the largest and most prestigious songwriting competitions in the world, awarding more than $150,000 in cash and prizes, including an Overall Grand Prize package of $25,000 (USD) in cash and over $20,000 in merchandise.

Numerous high-profile music industry executives will be part of the panel, including Dan Storper (President, Putumayo World Music), Monte Lipman (President, Universal Records), Nick Burgess (Head of A&R, Virgin Records UK), Angel Carrasco (Sr. VP of A&R, Latin America Sony BMG and President, Discos 605), Cameron Strang (President, New West Records), Amy Doyle (Sr. VP of Music and Talent, MTV), John Echevarria (President, Universal Music Latino), Kim Buie (VP of A&R, Lost Highway), Rick Krim (Executive VP Talent and Programming, VH1), Jon Pikus (Director of A&R, MySpace Records), Mitchell Cohen (VP of A&R, Verve Music Group), Bruce Iglauer (Founder/President, Alligator Records),and Peter Strickland (Senior VP, Jack Records/Warner Bros.) among others. 

ISC accepts original songs from musicians, artists, groups, and songwriters at every level from amateur to professional. ISC's World Music category includes all genres of traditional and contemporary World Music. Songwriters entering this category may also enter any other categories.

Speaking by phone from her home Lisbon, Vieira acknowledged she is reaching a crucial point in her career and understands that in an effort not to lose any more time or momentum, it behooves her to familiarize herself with the business aspect of the music industry. Since releasing her first record in 1995 and her second nearly a decade later, each of which drew critical acclaim but only moved her career along imperceptibly, Vieira made considerable changes, including a new management and production team and a more prominent record label, HM Musica out of Lisbon.

“This is the first time they have signed a Capeverdean artist,” said Nancy, who first came into the limelight in 1995 after winning a television contest in Portugal. “They are more specialized in fado and other Portuguese music. I have been performing a lot in Portugal and have noticed that the audience is mostly made up of fans of fado but they seem to really appreciate my music. The label has invested a lot in me and I am happy with the way things are going.”

The change has coincided with the release of her third album, Lus, (Light) the richest and most ambitious of her career, and has also triggered her determination to enhance the sound that was reflected on her two previous releases (Nôs Raça in 1995 and Segred in 2004), which established her as a remarkable singer. This 12-track recording epitomizes her artistic growth as she takes the reins of her career as a co-producer and songwriter. “The album came out just the way I wanted it, “said Nancy who penned the song “Vivê Sabin”. “I wanted it to be an album that reflects me and what I am about.”
 
Lus, an all-acoustic album, gives praise to time-honored Capeverdean styles such as morna, coladera, funaná, and batuku. But also includes samba and bossa nova, Cuban danzón and landó of Peru. She brought in Peruvian-born producer Jorge Cervantes, a Lisbon resident since 1991, who was first introduced to Capeverdean music by Paulino Vieira shortly after his arrival. “Besides the fact that this was my first Capeverdean/African album, the work had to be done from scratch,” said Cervantes. “I was a bit afraid of not meeting the expectation Nancy had put on me. However, I was so pleased to produce this album, especially for Nancy, that I put all my heart, everything I had in me in order to do it the right way. I did all the arrangements but it was only when she put her voice in that it made sense, everything became obvious. I make music idealizing the emotionality of the voice. This is an album made for her voice.”  
 
Cervantes and Vieira surrounded themselves with prominent musicians. She sang a duet with Tito Paris, (Esperança de Mar Azul) and included Bino Branco of Ferro Gaita, Batucadeiras Voz d’África, Quinteto Diapason of Cuba, and Sergio Valdeos & Juan Cotito Medrano. Composers Jon Luz, Princezito and Vadú contributed songs, adding rich textures to the music. “This album was done for the world music market as well. It is now up to the label, management to promote it in a way that people around the world will get to listen to this excellent singer,” said Cervantes, who specializes in traditional and ethnic music. 

Cervantes said that upon first being exposed to the music, he found an eerie similarity some musical styles found in his native country. “The first time I heard morna, I felt that I was listening to feeling, melancholy, and nostalgia,”’ he stated. “I also felt similarities with our Peruvian valsa, which speaks about our country, immigrants, and all the good things about the earth. Over time, I discovered rhythms not only from Cape Verde but from other Lusophone countries, which I associated with the rhythms from Peru and Latin America. The mixture of batuku and landó is only natural. It was just a matter of reuniting these rhythms lost between the two oceans. We had a lot of fun with the kind of result (music) that unites Peru and Cape Verde,” he said, speaking specifically of the title track.
 
Vieira, who was born on the African continent, has been very protective of her Capeverdean heritage, while blending into the cosmopolitanism of Lisbon. “I am a Capeverdean born in Guinea-Bissau, who lived in Cape Verde and now in Portugal,” she said. “I have always kept my traditional roots alive and lived just like a Capeverdean. However, throughout my life I have witnessed and experienced different things, listened to different kinds of music, visited different countries in the world. It was important for me to put all this diversity in my album, which is a mixture of my own roots with other influences. I worked alongside Jorge and the reason I picked him is because he knows me well musically. I had my ideas and he simply captured them. He knew exactly what I wanted,” added Nancy. 
 
With encouraging reviews, Vieira has confidently taken her act on the road with performances in Spain, Portugal, Cape Verde, Greece, and England where she was rated an enormous success following a show produced by BBC World Service and BBC Radio 3 in 2006. “I think everything is working out well for me, but I am not in a hurry,” she said. “Things will happen at the right time. I have matured all these years and learned to be patient. I am extremely ambitious but willing to wait. Things will eventually happen. If I haven’t found (my true identity) I know that I am getting very close. It takes time for everything to fall into place but I am happy with it.”

Despite her success, Vieira still manages to drive her career and be available as a mother for her 9 year-old daughter Myriam, who becomes her top priority when they are together. “I have been preparing her since she was much younger. I talked to her about my profession. She’s older now and understands that travelling is part of it. She is a very smart, active young girl who loves school and other extracurricular activities. I have great support from my family members who care for her when I am on the road. I miss her tremendously but we both know that my return home is always very emotional. We spend a lot of time together. I always bring her souvenirs from each country I visit and she collects them. I know that it does not make up for my absence but she is serious about all this,” explained Vieira.

Occasionally mentioned as the true heiress to Cesaria Evora’s uncontested throne, Vieira said she is happy with her lot in life. “There’s no one like Cesaria Evora,” she said. “I don’t know if I can sing (morna) like her. I think that I sing differently but with more feeling. If I have to inherit anything from Cesaria, I will accept it with great honor and pride. If people are thinking this way, I take it as a big responsibility and an even bigger compliment.”

The France-based musician, who is known for his poignant lyrics, is part of a week-long concert series also featuring Lulendo (Angola) on 09/23, Bevinda (Portugal) on 09/25, Rolando Faria (Brazil) on 09/26, and Hradcany (Acoustic Jazz) on 09/30.

Born in Mindelo, São Vicente, Humberto has penned songs for Ana Firmino, Biús, Maria Alice, Dudu Araujo, and most recently Mariana Ramos.  He previously released albums “Guenta,” (1992), “Mόiabo um Consolá” (1995), “Portexperimental” (1998), and “Identidade” (2004).

Produced by Paléo Festival Nyon in order to celebrate the 2008 Village du Monde (July 22nd through July 27th, 2008), “Couleur Brésil” also features artists such as Sibe e a Fuloresta, Silvério Pessoa and Orquestra do Fubá, José Barrense-Dias, Marcelo D2, Olodum, Bonde do Role, DJ Sandrinho, DJ Dolores, Barbatuques,  Moleque de Rua, and Vanessa Da Mata.

This vibrant celebration of Brazilian cultural fusion, which travels from Amazon to the southern conurbations via the Northwest of Brazil and of course to Cape Verde with its revelation Mayra Andrade, whose music builds bridges between Brazil and Africa.

Currently on tour in support of her debut album “Navega” (Upon the Waves), Mayra, dubbed Cape Verde's next global pop star by Time Out NY, is the winner of BBC Radio 3 World Music Awards (Best Newcomer).

Lura, who just returned from Italy, where she was part of Musica Del Mondo 2008, joins more than one thousand performers of the participating countries’ cultural program, encompassing music, visual arts and theatre.  The exposition has 140 pavilions, of which 125 are for the countries, regions, and organizations participating in the festival.

Deemed the biggest water festival on earth, Expo Zaragoza hosts 4,529 different shows in 13 different venues during the 93 days of the event.  At least 9,500 volunteers from Aragon, Europe, the Americas, Oceania and Africa, made the commitment to participate in this year’s event.

Cesaria, 67, who has been away from the stages for the past two months, will bring her energy to Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier (Montreal) on Friday, September 26, 2008.

Also scheduled to appear on Jazz All-Year Round series are England’s Sarah-Jane Morris (9/16 & 9/17), Guy Bélanger (10/1 and 10/4), David Byrne (10/30), Susie Arioli Band (11/27), Peter Hammill (10/16), and Ron Sexsmith (10/19).

Located in the very heart of downtown Montreal, the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal is proudly celebrating its 30th edition. The Festival site is contained in the four block radius of Ste-Catherine, President Kennedy, Bleury and St-Urbain streets.

This event, which takes place from 08/21 through 08/31 in two stages, will showcase a variety of artists in many genres, such as pop/rock, salsa, folklore and fado.  Scheduled to perform are Iris & Orchestra, Luis Represas, Xico Barata, Anjos & Familia Superstar, Jorge Palma, Tunico Goulart, João Miranda, Pedro Abrunhosa, Tony Carreira, Zé Praia & Água Viva, Xutos e Pontapés, Pedro Frias, Elba Ramalho and Los Cubanitos.

Organized by FATASUL (Feiras e Exposições do Sul Local) of picturesque Lagoa, FATACIL promotes the town’s cultural and commercial resources at the Parque Municipal de Feiras e Exposições.

The two Lisbon-based singers, Nancy Vieira and Tito Paris, previously recorded duet “Esperança de Mar Azul” featured in “Lus,” Nancy’s latest album released in 2007; both also recently took part in Lisbon’s prestigious Rock in Rio 2008. 

“In Cape Verde of course I feel more at home, near my parents and my history.  Although I confess that here in Gran Canária I feel very close to home.  I think it’s because I’m surrounded by the sea,” Sara Alhinho tells Sodade soon after finishing her last exam of the school year in Las Palmas.  She isn’t really that far from her native Cape Verde but the short distance sort of reflects her decision to put off a solo music career: not for too long.  

“In reality I’ve been on a break (from music).  I’ve just finished recording an album with my mother that will be released soon,” she explains.  “With school and everything I haven’t had time to compose, and music is something that requires a lot of dedication,” says Sara, who is working on an International Business and Marketing degree.

Having grown up surrounded by music, Sara knows quite a lot of the kind of devotion it takes to jump-start a career.  “Without a doubt, living with me in a home filled with music, in the middle of Simentera, was very important to her and somehow served as a reference,” Tété says of her daughter.  “I believe that it was important that she witnessed the way I confronted music as something crucial in my life, and saw how important it was for me to do what I loved.  It certainly influenced and stimulated her.”

When Sara wasn’t making her own versions of songs she heard on television (at age 3), her mom would serenade her to sleep with a guitar, which eventually led Tété to edit an album for children, “Menino das Ilhas.”  Then 8-year old Sara recorded three tracks on the CD.  “The truth is, at that age, I would get a little bored for having to spend a couple of hours repeating the same recordings, but soon I made an arrangement with Paulino Vieira who was the producer of the CD,” Sara recalls.  “He would give me ice-cream if I were patient and well-behaved.  I remember doing everything he asked just so I could eat lots of ice-cream at the end of each recording session.”

Tété also remembers Sara’s early recording years: “At the time she sang but she didn’t take it too seriously.  But my wish was always that one day she would develop this marvelous artistic gift, even though the decision in the end was hers.” Over the years and after many music lessons (she learned the flute and the guitar as a child), Sara eventually made her own decision to follow in her mother’s footsteps.  She went on to participate in various children’s festivals in Cape Verde and represented the archipelago in Figueira da Foz, Portugal.  At 11, Sara became part of a children’s singing group called Meia Culpa, which did acoustic performances of their own compositions.  Then in 2002, she participated in Fesquintal de Jazz, an international festival organized by musician Mario Lucio and Tété in Praia, Cape Verde.  By 17 Sara had been invited to record with music giant Sony/BMG. 

“At the time, however, she decided she was too young to take up any offers,” says Tété.  “She had recorded in that time a nice and simple CD just with her guitar; a “maquete,” with her compositions in Spanish, Portuguese and Kriolu.” Recently, Sara also joined the Cape Verde-based dance group Raiz di Polon, but she gained tremendous stage experience alongside her mother.  Says Tété: “She participated with me in several tours in Italy and other European countries, including De Doolen and Concert Gebow (two big concert rooms in Holland) and Concert House and Birdland in Austria, a concert house from Joe Zavinul.”  

“It’s the most gratifying and incredible experience that’s happened to me,” says Sara of the experience.  “All the sensations that you feel are reinforced with the difference that I don’t feel as scared, I feel protected. The complicity I share with my mother is very visible.  We enjoy it a lot and I think that we transmit a lot of beautiful things when we sing together, like love.”

The two women plan to soon take off to Lisbon where they will put the finishing touches on “Gerassons” (Generations), an album that will feature compositions from both.  And although Sara looks forward to recording a solo album in the future, for now she prefers to get settled and learn more about music.  “I love both (singing in concert and composing).  But I confess that there is nothing more beautiful and divine than creating.  It makes you feel unique, exclusive and closer to what some call God and others Nirvana or Buddah,” she says.

Born from a Capeverdean mother and a Mexican father, Sara also grew up between two cultures, a fact that has enriched her artistic qualities and helped her open up to new influences and sounds.  “I don’t know how to call the kind of music that I make.  Some people say I have my own style, deriving from many influences, from Djavan, Capeverdean music, a little of Rock, Valsa, I don’t know.  Each song brings something different.  I don’t focus in following just one particular style, I make whatever is born.”

The Lisbon-based singer, who is scheduled to perform inside Disco Glitch in Aveiro, Portugal, on August 2nd, will make the trip to the archipelago for his first ever performance at the prestigious Festival Baia das Gatas (08/15), followed by shows at Festival de Boa Vista (08/22 & 23) and Festival de Santo-Antão (08/24).

On July 29th, 2008, Gilyto revealed plans to launch his own line of t-shirts stamped with the slogan “Made in Kabu Verdi,” which he plans to make available in Cape Verde, France, Holland, Portugal, Spain and the U.S.  The goal, announced the singer, is to create an image of Capeverdean pride for all those who visit or have any connection to the islands.

Since bursting in the music scene in the mid-1990s, Gilyto has released albums “Kel Tempu” (1997), “Nha Atriz Principal” (2001), “Diamante Africana” (2005), “Traduson Pa Tradison” (2007), and CD/DVD box set “Live@Luxembourg” (2008).

Mariana, Tchéka and Raul Paz are scheduled to perform on Friday, August 1st, 2008.  Also part of this year’s lineup are David Walters & guests, Dom Tom Folies, Raul Paz, Philémon, MAP, James Deano, Svinkels, Martina Topley-Bird, B R Oad Way, Bang Gang, Quidam, Les Shades, Pete & The Pirates, and more.

Tchéka and Mariana are currently on a promotional tour in support of their new records.  Mariana officially released her third studio album “Mornador” in January while Tchéka followed several months later with “Lonji,” produced by Brazilian musician Lenine.

IndéTendances FNAC Festival, which started on July 25th and will end on August 16th, is a perfect occasion to discover some new talents and listen to great music in the heart of historic Paris.

Carmen, who recently released her sophomore album entitled “Verdade” (Truth), will make an appearance at the Nottingham Riverside Festival in Nottingham, UK, on August 2nd. The following day, she is scheduled to perform during the Farmleigh Affair Festival in Dublin, Ireland.

On August 8th, she will perform at the Green Note in Camden (UK), followed by the W12 in London on August 16th. Carmen will make a brief stop in Spain where she will take part in Barcelona’s BAM Festival on 9/19th.

Following her live interview on BBC London’s A World in London on 9/27th, Carmen will step on stage at the White Horse in Bognor Regis on 10/4th. She will then head to Holland where she will perform at the BIMHUS in Amsterdam on 10/13th and at Rotterdam Theater Zuidplein on 10/14th.

A native of Lisbon, Portugal, to Capeverdean parents, Carmen, who previously released “Ess ê Nha Cabo Verde” (2005), will return to the United Kingdom for a series of shows, including at the Rose Theatre in Sidcup on 10/17th, at Whitby Musicport Festival on 10/18th, and at London Jazz Festival on November 15th.

The festival, held annually in Cape Cod (MA) and attended by thousands of Capeverdeans each August, will also feature performances by the Bisca Club Band (New Bedford, MA), local singer Danielle Andrews, Richie Barros & CV Melodies and DJ Lady K.

Sponsored by local businesses such as Comcast, Bridgewater State College, Decas Cranberry Sales Inc., Cruz Companies and A.D. Makepeace CO., the Onset Beach Capeverdean Festival is a one-day-long (12 pm – 6 pm) event, which showcases Capeverdean cultural traditions through music, dance, traditional dishes, arts and crafts, etc. 

A rain date for this festival has been set for the following day (Sunday, August 10th).

The six-piece band--Eduino (accordion, vocals), Bino (vocals), Adão (bass), Jorge Pimpa (drums), Manel di Tilina (percussions) and Pito (cowbell/buzio)--just wrapped up a European tour with stops in Azores, France, Holland, Portugal and Spain, and kicked off the festivities with a live concert on Wednesday, July 23rd in Cidade Velha, Santiago.

Ferro Gaita is next scheduled to perform on 07/26 at the Festival de Areia Grande in Santa Cruz.  To celebrate their 12th year, the group, which plans to launch their official Web site by mid-August, will perform for 12 hours in 12 different neighborhoods near Praia, Santiago, on Sunday August 3rd. 

They are also tentatively scheduled to take the stage during Festival de S. Lourenço in Fogo on 08/10, Baia das Gatas in Mindelo on 08/15-08/17, Festival de Praia de Cruz in Boavista on 08/22, Municipal Festivities in Maio on 09/05-09/08, and at Festival de Santa Maria on 09/12-09/14, all before touring Angola from 09/19-09/25.

The band, which will perform in Saint Lucia’s Festival de Kalalu in the Antilles (01/10/09), will make appearances in the U.S., Brazil and Macau (Oct./Nov.) prior to releasing a new album in the twelfth month of the year. 

Formed in 1996, Ferro Gaita has played a key role in taking traditional music styles like funaná, tabanka, batuku and finaçon to international stages with albums such as Fundu Baxu (1997), Rei di Tabanka (1999), Bandera Liberdade (2004) and CD/DVD box set Finkadu na Raiz (2006).

In 2007 Ferro Gaita was honored with a Diploma of Cultural Merit by Cape Verde’s Ministry of Culture.

Mayra, who just concluded her first North American tour, is scheduled to step on the Village du Monde stage today (7/24th) alongside Brazilian artists such as Marcelo D2, Silvério Pessoa, Ramiro Musotto, and boTECOeletro.
Also scheduled to perform during the festival are Manu Chao & Radio Bemba Sound System, Etienne Daho, Justice, The Hives, R.E.M., IAM, Dub Inc., Mika, Asa, Favez, SoKo, Tiken Jah Fakoly, Yelle, Redwood, and Caribou, etc…

Currently on tour in support of her debut album “Navega” (Upon the Waves), out on September 2nd in the US and Canada on Sterns Music, Mayra, dubbed Cape Verde's next global pop star by Time Out NY, is the winner of BBC Radio 3 World Music Awards (Best Newcomer). “Navega” reached Gold Record status in Portugal, and received the prestigious Preis der Deutschen Schallplattenkritik (German Record Critics Award).

One of Europe’s most influential music festivals, Paléo, founded 31 years ago, offers more than 120 concerts each year to more than 250 thousand people (over 4 million have attended since its inaugural year).

On the evening of Sunday, July 20th, Nancy kicked things off in Montermurlo’s Piazza della Libertà (Toscana) before heading to Impruneta for another performance at Arena Buondelmonti, July 21st, and Pontedera’s Villa Malaspina di Montescastello, July 22nd.

Nancy’s fourth concert in that country is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, July 23rd in Mascalucia (Sicily) at Trinità Manenti.

Lus, an all acoustic album blending traditional Capeverdean styles (morna, coladera, funaná, batuku) with Latin-American sounds (samba, bossa nova, Cuban danzon and Peruvian landó), was released in Portugal under HM Musica (2007).

Hernani unveiled his new project in Cape Verde, with live concerts in Praia, Santiago, on July 17th, 2008 followed by a release concert in Mindelo, São Vicente, on July 19th. 

“This title has to do with my Africanity, my expression and African perspective of Cape Verde’s music,” says Hernani.

The all-instrumental disc, which gathers top-notch musicians such as Lúcio Vieira (piano), Zé Paris (bass) and Miroca Paris (percussion), was produced by Hernani Almeida and Zunga Pinheiro, and co-produced by Miroca Paris.

“They’re simple melodies, afro rhythms mixed with mazurka, coladera, funaná, but in a stylized way and I hope listeners will enjoy it,” Hernani tells SodadeOnline.com, describing the album.

Dubbed the future of Capeverdean music by legendary musician Paulino Vieira, Hernani has consistently teased music fans for years with his innovative guitar licks and stand-out arrangements on countless albums. He previously released “Enkantod k’bo Rosto” (Amazed by your Face) with the band Olinôs, featuring German Jazz musician Swagato, Jenifer Soledade, Zé Paris, and Micau Paris.

He is also known for shaping works released by the likes of Tchéka, Bau, Swagato, Princezito, Vadú, Dudu Araujo, Nácia Gomi and N’toni Denti d’Oru, just to name a few.

In the televised late night program, Maria, who is fluent in Spanish will be interviewed after she performs two songs.  Following the show, the singer is also scheduled to perform at the first ever edition of BocaFest--a festival that will take place in Boca del Rio on Saturday, July 19, and where she will share the stage with renowned Mexican singer-composer Celso Pina. 

“I love Mexico and it has become a huge market for me.  They are so receptive to our music and treat us marvelously,” says Maria, who will be accompanied by her band, Kalú Monteiro (drums), Djim Job (bass), Ze Rui Depina (ukulele), Sandro Rebel (keyboards) and Fabio Soares (guitar).

Hosted by Actress Patricia De Llaca and Journalist Ricardo Rocha, “Animal Nocturno” is taped in Mexico City and is shown live on Friday nights at Midnight in the entire country as well as South America and the United States. 

Maria de Barros has performed in Mexico multiple times at events such as the Festival International Quimera, VII Festival International de San Luis Potosi (2007) and Festival Olmeca (2006). 

On October 20th 2006, the singer and her accompanying musicians were featured in “Animal Nocturno” for the first time, becoming the first African band to be featured on the show.

The new project, which mixes an array of funana, kizomba, rap and reggae, is an attempt to claim the dance floors with infectious tracks compiled by the band’s original members as they join new upcoming singers.

Midnight, produced by Eddy Mafia, features young musical talents such as Djenio Semedo, Kiddy, Jennifer, Paulo Tavares, Eddy Mafia, Dc Brown, Unity Caps, Milo, Moda Sky, Estefania, Laara, Monica, and DJ Tecas and seeks to pay homage to independence fighter Amilcar Cabral (1924-1973). 

The band previously released Unidade e Luta (Unity and Struggle) in 2006.

Tchéka, who will perform twice on Saturday, July 19th and once on Sunday, July 20th, will be surrounded by a star-studded line up, including Haale, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Emeline Michel,  Masanga Marimba Ensemble, Morley, Chic Gamine, California Guitar Trio, Bat Makumba, Angel Band, David Lindley, Jabali, Khac Chi, Wailin’ Jennys, and Redhead among others.

Currently touring the United States in support of his third album “Lonji,” produced by Brazilian Icon Lenine, Tchéka, the winner of RFI (Radio France International) Award, is also scheduled to perform in Los Angeles on July 17th (at Skirball Cultural Center) and on July 18th (at California Plaza’ Wells Fargo Center).

Drawing inspiration from some of the world’s most recognized music festivals, the California WorldFest, which features eight performance stages, began in 1997 as a showcase for some of our world's finest artists performing music and dance from the United States and around the world.

With his appearance at California WorldFest, Tchéka, who previously released albums such as “Argui” (2003) and “Nu Monda” (2005), will join a long list of prestigious performers such as Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Youssou N'Dour, Lucinda Williams, Robert Cray Band, Mamadou Diabate Ensemble, Miriam Makeba, Sisters Morales, Tiempo Libre, Gospel Hummingbirds, and John Cowan Band etc…

The illustrious festival, which this summer is helping commemorate Cape Verde’s 33rd year as an independent country (July 5th, 1975), will also feature palm-sized guitarist Noah Andrade, singer Jacqui Da Graça, Johnny Fonseca, newcomer Gutty Duarte, as well as Zé Rui de Pina, Kalú Monteiro, Djim Job, Gau Salgado, Joao Cerilo, Ivo Pires, and DJ Larry Love.

Every year, in July, thousands of Capeverdeans make the trip to Providence, RI, for an entire day devoted to Capeverdean culture, often displayed through music, plastic arts, fashion and traditional dishes. 

This year’s event, which will take place at Roger Williams Park from noon to dusk, will be followed by an after party inside Tantric nightclub, in the neighboring town of Pawtucket.

Gil, who performed at Armazém C2 Alcântara in Lisbon, Portugal, on July 5th and at L’Elisée Montmartre in Paris, France, on June 20th, will be accompanied by Manu Lima (Keyboards), Grace Evora (Drums), Johnny Fonseca (Guitar), and Claudio Ramos (Keyboards).

With musical direction and production by Manu Lima, “CaboPop,” executively produced by Harmonia, fetches a mixture of densely encrusted electro, acoustic, and pop styles, which in the 1990s put Gil in favour with the listeners.

Cabo Pop Tour will take Gil to Cape Verde where he is scheduled to perform in Praia on July 19th and in Boa Vista on 8/22nd. Gil will also perform at Florida Palace in Marseille, France, on 9/6th.

Dubbed the Capeverdean king of pop, Gil previously released hit albums such as Minina with Gil & The Perfect 2 (1991), Cabo Swing (1993), Doom da Doom (1995), Verdadi  (1996), Bodona (1997), Nos Lider (1999), Dedicaçon (2002), and Nha Vitória (2006).

Mariana, who is currently promoting her recently released third album “Mornador,” will perform inside a 2,500 seat amphitheater, which will also host over 100 artists including musicians, singers and dancers.

This year’s festival, part of Sete Sóis Sete Luas promoted by a cultural network of 30 towns from nine different countries, also coincides with the celebration of Israel’s 60th year of Independence.

Artists from various fields will exhibit their artwork in a fascinating exhibition, in honor of Israel's 60 years of independence, including photography, sculpture and various forms of painting. Yehudit Ravitz, Avi and Gal Sinuani and Gidi Gov are also scheduled to perform.

Located between Tel Aviv and Netanya, Raanana was founded by a small group of settlers from New York City and has today become one of Israel's most thriving and prosperous Cities. It has attracted over 10,000 people since its inaugural year.

Sodade Music Magazine’s new summer issue is on stands now and for the first time since its 2005 debut the entire print publication is in color.

On the cover of our ninth issue is singer-songwriter Manuel Andrade Lopes, a.k.a. Tchéka, who is currently touring the U.S.  Here he gives us an in-depth look at his musical journey thus far, telling all about his most memorable artistic curiosities and what it was really like being raised by such a dedicated musician like his father. 

We also catch up with former Simentera band-leader Mario Lucio to talk about the path that led up to his latest album release, the bold and nicely crafted Badyo, while the original elements of the legendary band Cabo Verde Show let us in on the story behind their reunion and return to the studio. 

Read on as Santiago-based musician Nhelas Spencer gives us a taste of pre-touristy Sal and we dissect Vadú’s most recent venture.  Also joining us in our first ever color issue, are rapper Chachi, singers Eunice Vieira, Nadia, TC and linguist Adelaide Monteiro.

As usual our quarterly magazine, dedicated to promoting Cape Verde’s music and culture and distributed worldwide, is packed with candid interviews, artists’ profiles, in-depth stories, music highlights, album releases and reviews, tour dates and so much more. 

We truly hope you enjoy reading!

This 12-track album, a tribute to his brother who died in 2001, was recorded in part in the United States and includes collaborations from Djim Djob, Ramiro Mendes, and Kalú Monteiro among others.

Produced by American songwriter/producer Barry Marshall, who has produced LaVern Baker, Peter Wolf, and Aimee Mann among others, Caminho Longi features Morna and Coladera as well as Blues, Jazz, Salsa, R&B, Semba, and other world music influences.

Best known for the hit songs “Branco Velho, Tinto e Jeropiga” and “Crioula de S. Bento,” Dany Silva started his career in Portugal in the 1960s. In 1986, he recorded his first album, “Lua Vagabunda,” produced by Rui Veloso, followed by “Sodadi Funaná” in 1991 and “Tradiçon” in 2000.

As part of the 24th edition’s performance lineup, the list of entertainers includes the recently reunited Cabo Verde Show, Paulino Vieira, Tito Paris, Tó Alves, Quim Alves, Menu Petcha, Ferro Gaita and Batucadeiras de Santiago.  Also scheduled to perform are Djavan, Steel Pulse and Gilyto, announced Mayor of São Vicente Isaura Gomes.

Festival Baia das Gatas is Cape Verde’s largest music festival, taking place every summer during the first full moon weekend of August.  It has been estimated that more than 150.000 spectators (more than the island’s population) make the trip to São Vicente, camping out at Baia das Gatas--a large white-sanded beach for three days of nonstop music. 

Renowned artists such as Mayra Andrade, Mariana Ramos, Elba Ramalho, Martinho da Vila, (Brazil), Ismael Lo (Senegal), Bonga (Angola), Kassav (French Caribbean) among others have previously performed at Baia das Gatas.

The show is meant to raise funds for Cape Verde’s Center for creative youth at Cape Verde CulturalArte, a two-week summer residency program in Cape Verde. 

The singer is also scheduled to perform on Saturday June 28th in Pettoranello Gardens (Princeton, NJ) as part of The Blue Curtain’s summer concert series and during the Capeverdean Independence Day Festival at the Roger Williams Park in Providence, RI, on Sunday, July 13th, 2008.

Born in Senegal from Capeverdean parents, Maria has previously released two critically-acclaimed albums, “Nha Mundo” (2003) and “Dança Ma Mim” (2005), showcasing an eclectic collection of morna, coladera and funana rhythms sprinkled with Latin and Afro-beat influences.  

Her outstanding repertoire has earned the chanteuse tracks on many compilations, such as Putamayo World Music, World Reggae, Women of Africa and Miles to Miles.

Tickets for Hartford’s show include post-concert reception.  For reservations call 860-757-6388.

Ferro Gaita is scheduled to perform on Friday July 4th alongside local band Ronda Das Nove.
On July 5th, American band Wings of Dixie and dance group AESTPC (Sao Tome & Principe) will take turn on stage. Nova Aliança-Capoeira (Brazil), Bucovina (Romania), and Maninho (Brazil) will perform on the last day.

This six-piece band--Eduíno (accordion/vocals), Bino (vocals), Adão (bass), Jorge Pimpa (Drums), Manel di Tilina (percussions), and Pito (Cow Bell/Buziu)--recently performed during Expo Zaragoza 2008 in Spain.

Besides musical performances, this event also features entertainment for all cultures, international cuisine, cultural displays and the overall celebration of the rich cultural and diversity of the Azores and all the countries represented (Cape Verde, Angola, Brazil, Germany, Bangladesh, Guinea-Bissau, Sao Tome & Principe, etc…).

Founded in 2006, Feira Viver Culturas previously took place in the cities of Ribeira Grande (2006) and Horta (2007). One of its main objectives is to promote peace in the world and fight racism and xenophobia.

Throughout his career, he has inspired a nationwide campaign against tobacco with the song “Tu nem comeces” (Don’t you even start), opened for 50 Cent, cashed in at both the MTV Europe Music Awards and Portugal’s Golden Globes, and possibly became the Capeverdean artist with the most viewed (82,000+) videos on You Tube (“Princesa, beija-me outra vez” featuring Berg) to date. Now, the man who debuted on the pop charts in 1998 with “Mandachuva,” (Best Song winner) followed by equally critically-acclaimed album, “Rimar contra a maré” (2002) and platinum record “Ritmo Amor e Palavras” (2004), is enjoying the view from the top.  But as he explains in his interview with Sodade, Boss AC, who took a short break from his hefty pre-production schedule (Boss is working on a new album), worked hard to get to where he is today, making his success taste one million times sweeter.   

Sodade: You’ve been quite busy lately, particularly with all of the award nominations.  Do you find yourself making a list of goals that you like to achieve within a certain period of time?

Boss AC: Yes.  A lot happened but I think more than the awards, it was because of all the work developed throughout the years.  The goals that I set, as soon as I reach them, they are immediately renewed into more goals.  I always want more and better in a short period of time, I want to make a new album, which I hope will be the natural evolution of the previous one. 

S: Does the attention from fans, radio play, make you feel pressured?

BA: I try as much as possible to distance myself from external pressures.  The biggest pressure is the one I exert myself.  I’m a perfectionist and I demand a lot from myself.  I don’t think I’m more pressured because of the success of my latest album, especially since the demand level has always been the same.  It’s always complicated to please everyone, in that sense my primordial objective is to please myself.  It’s all very subjective: what’s best for some is worst for others and vice-versa.  I maintain the plan I laid out from the beginning and as the saying goes “a winning team does not move.” When I look back and think that I would do it all again, it’s a sign that I did what I wanted to do.

S: As an artist i’m sure you’re always thinking of ways to keep your material fresh for your audiences.  What do you do to stay on top of your game at all times?

BA: I don’t have a formula.  I make the music that I like as best as I can and I do it in an honest way.  I try to innovate anytime I can, I don’t let myself become limited by formulas and I try not to be scared of experimenting.  The base of what I do is Hip-Hop, but I can (and I should) incorporate elements of any music style I want.  Music is really universal, and this way there are no barriers. 

S: Where does your inspiration for your lyrics come from,   are they based on yours or the lives of people you know?

BA: Yes, I talk about realities close to me.  Or things that happened to me, or to people I’m close with or things I saw happen.  I speak about the day-to-day things that happen to anyone.  And I think that’s one of the reasons people identify with what I write. 

S: after 10 years in the business, does it become harder to keep your material positive?

BA: I always try to have a positive speech.  Even when I’m talking about negative things, I try to do it in a way that shows that there is a solution.  In all these years I think I’ve said a lot and I think I still have a lot more to say.  The day that I find that I’ve said it all and that I’m just repeating myself, I’ll shut up.

S: you’re in this summer’s line up of one of the most emblematic music festivals in cape verde (baia das gatas).  What do you look forward to, in terms of stepping on stage in your country of birth?

BA: I’m very anxious.  It’s going to have its own special flavor.  I’ve had the opportunity to perform in Cape Verde and I was surprised by the positive response because I wasn’t aware that people knew my work so well.  It was spectacular and I hope that this time will be even better.  We’re going to prepare a special concert for Baia and I’m certain that it will be memorable.  I’m happy to be able to represent Cape Verde in a positive way.  I don’t forget my origins and I always leave my mark of Capeverdianity in my albums.

S: you’ve reached a very coveted place in your career.  What do you think has helped you most along the way?

BA: I think that the only thing I can really say is that we need to work hard.  And believe in ourselves when no one else does.  I was perseverant and I kept the plan that I laid out from day one.  I give value to what I accomplished because I know what I went through.  And it wasn’t easy.  But this way we enjoy more when we achieve it. 

S: what can you tell us about your upcoming album, is there a release date?

BA: I have some material ready but I still don’t know what my album will be like.  For now, what’ve I done in terms of instrumentals, has been very minimalist and technological.  The lyrics, I’ve been writing with less frequency but I think that I’m writing better.  Some lyrics are still only works in progress.  I have some ideas in terms of what I want to do but it’s still all out in the open.  I would like to have the album ready early next year, let’s hope so.

Mariana, who is currently promoting her recently released third album “Mornador,” will perform in Lajes do Pico (Azores) on June 20th and 21st.

Homero Fonseca, who has released the album “Santo Antão, Paisagem & Melodia,” will step on stage on July 6th in Ponte de Sôr (Lisbon). Nancy Vieira will be in Italy where she will perform in Montemurlo (Toscana) on July 20th, in Impruneta (Toscana) on 7/21st, in Pontedera (Toscana) on 7/22nd, and in Mascalucia (Sicily) on July 23rd.

Among this year’s performers are Kama Fei (Italy), Toma Castaña (Andalusia), Acquaragia Drom (Italy), Carmen Linares (Spain), Assurd (Italy), Konstantinos Ignatiadis (Greece), Imán Kandousi (Morocco), and Marcio Matos (Portugal) among others.

Bana, Vadú, Lura, Mayra Andrade, Tchéka, and Isa Pereira have previously participated in this event, which promotes popular/folk music, theater, and Plastic Arts from these Mediterranean countries.
Celebrating its 16th anniversary, Festival Sete Sóis Sete Luas is presided by the great Portuguese writer and Nobel Price (Literature) winner José Saramago. The festival has received several prominent Awards (the European Union’ Kaleidoscope Prize, the Culture2000 Award, and the Interreg IIIB Medocc Award) for its contribution to European and Mediterranean cultures.

Scheduled to kick off this revered musical event on 07/17th are Siba & a Fuloresta (Brazil), Bassekou Kouyaté & Ngoni Ba (Mali) and Serra-Lhe Ai & Os Rosais (Galiza).   On the following day (07/18th) Portuguese band A Naifa, Capeverdean singer Herminia and USA’s Hazmat Modine will also take the stage.

Many other performers from different parts of the world, such as Enzo Avitabile & Bottari (Italy), Cui Jian (China), Asha Bhosle (India), The Last Poets (USA), Moskow Art Trio (Russia), Danae (Portugal), Iva Bittová (Czech Republic) Waldemar Bastos (Angola), Toto Bona Lokua (French Antilles/Cameroon/Congo), Orchestra Baobab (Senegal), Bostich & Fussible (Mexico), are all scheduled to perform during the 10-day-long event, which this year boasts of its most extensive lineup to date.

An initiative from the city of Sines, Portugal, Festival Musicas do Mundo (World Music Festival) brought an estimated crowd of 80,000 spectators in its 2007 edition, and this year will include nocturnal concerts by the beach in Avenida Vasco da Gama.

On July 3rd, 2008, Mayra will perform at the renowned Zeiterion Theater in New Bedford, MA, accompanied by her four-piece band--Nelson Ferreira (Guitar), Ricardo Feijao (Bass), Tarcisio Gondim (Guitar), and Zé Luis Nascimento (Percussion).

The winner of BBC Radio 3 World Music Awards (Best Newcomer) is scheduled to perform in Canada at Montréal Jazz Festival (6/29 & 6/30), at SunFest inside Victoria Park in London on 7/5th, and at the Quebec’s Summer Festival on 7/6th. She will also appear at Joe's pub in New York City on 7/2nd.

A native of Cuba to Capeverdean parents, Mayra made her U.S. solo concert debut with a performance at Zankel Hall in New York City, NY, on May 9th, 2008. Her performance marked the conclusion of Carnegie Hall’s 2007–2008 World Views world music series.

“Navega,” which was named one of the top albums of the year in the London Times, reached Gold Record status in Portugal, and received the prestigious Preis der Deutschen Schallplattenkritik (German Record Critics Award), is being released and distributed (in June) in the U.S. by Sterns Music.

The Lisbon-based songstress, who is currently touring Europe, is part of a lineup, which includes Portuguese artist Carlos do Carmo (06/07th), Brazil’s Gilberto Gil and Broadband (06/08th) and Angolan singer Bonga (06/13th).

Designed to promote culture as a development factor and as a union among peoples, this annual event will also showcase a cultural market and chorus parades.

Lura is also scheduled to perform in France’s A Fleur de Peau and Festival Convivência (June 27 & 28).  She is known for releasing chart-topping albums like “Nha Vida” (1996), “Di Korpu Ku Alma” (2004) and “M’Bem Di Fora” (2006).

With musical direction and production by Manu Lima, “CaboPop,” executively produced by Harmonia, fetches a mixture of densely encrusted electro, acoustic, and pop styles, which in the 1990s put Gil in favour with the listeners.

Gil, who has also released a DVD entitled Beyond the Dream (Além do Sonho), is scheduled to introduce “CaboPop” to his U.S. fans during a live concert at Lupo’s Heartbreak Hotel in Downtown Providence, RI, on July 11th, 2008.

Dubbed the Capeverdean king of pop, Gil, African Lusophone’s most successful young artist, has previously released hit albums such as Minina with Gil & The Perfect 2 (1991), Cabo Swing (1993), Doom da Doom (1995), Verdadi  (1996), Bodona (1997), Nos Lider (1999), Dedicaçon (2002), and Nha Vitória (2006).

Produced by Brazilian singer/guitarist Lenine, “Lonji” (faraway) is a continuation and development of Tchéka’ musical journey, blending his self-crafted rhythmic traditional Capeverdean music with African, Brazilian, and Caribbean sounds sprinkled with elements of Jazz, pop, and electronic music.

Tchéka, who performed in Rotterdam, Holland, during the Dunya Festival on May 25th alongside Cheikh Lô, Daby Touré, and Kasba, will be in the U.S. in July for a series of shows to promote this 14-track acoustic record.

Born in Ribeira da Barca (interior of Santiago), Cape Verde, Tchéka previously released albums such as “Argui” (2003) and “Nu Monda” (2005). In 2006, he became the first Capeverdean artist to win the RFI (Radio France) Music of the World Awards.

From her home in New Jersey, overlooking the Hudson River, Anané contemplates a solid music career entirely built out of live performances around the world.  The Elements of Life vocalist has sure come a long way since hopping on a bus headed to New York City at the age of 17. Now, she is ready to take things up a notch by launching an ambitious solo career, coupled with a new record label and a movie debut based on her own screenplay.

“I wouldn’t say I was a celebrity, but I was definitely living an incredible opportunity in my life,” Ana “Anané” Martins-Vega says months after the live telecast of the Super Bowl’s pre-game show during which she took center stage with Cirque Du Soleil.  She is laughing sweetly at being called a celebrity because of that damp day in Miami.   Her performance earlier this year at the extremely esteemed and widely-watched national football event is just an example of what she has been able to accomplish as an artist.

The former model turned fashion designer, singer and songwriter, and who is also a mother, is showing no signs of slowing down.  “At this point in my life, I have to take it seriously, this is my work, this is my job,” Anané, who drops off her 7-year old son at school every day and then heads to a two-hour long workout session at the same gym where she also takes dance classes, tells Sodade.  “That’s part of what I do as an artist.  That’s what you hav