Cape Verde is hot.  Even though in the last few days of December and the first couple weeks of January the wind picked up a bit, it was still a balmy 70 degrees in the capital city of Praia.  A nice change from those exaggerated snow storms, wind chills, and, I have practically forgotten what it feels like to be trapped in by the snow of the Northern parts of the U.S.

But when I say Cape Verde is hot, I´m referring to much more than just the weather.  When it comes to music, it is definitely the place to be.  In just one sitting at a local café in the city of Praia (Santiago) I spotted on one particular morning, Tchéka, Tó Alves, Daniel “Nhelas” Spencer and Djinho Barbosa.  Throughout the rest of the city, I also ran into the wonderful Tété Alhinho and saw Celina Pereira and Maria de Barros get inducted into the equivalent of Cape Verde´s Hall of Fame of Music.  I also met Humbertona, and finally saw Mariana Ramos and Tito Paris live in concert.  There is no doubt about it, the archipelago is rich in music and the noise makers are just about everywhere you turn.

My first night here coincided with Vadú´s latest album release Dixi Rubera inside Tabanka Mar.  During a show meant to bring the singer/musician back to the stage, I got to hear cuts fresh off the new CD.  I must say I was delighted, but I had no idea I was experiencing just a small taste of the remainder of my stay here.  On another occasion, Vadú performed alongside his friend Princezito, by the beach inside Kebra Kanela’s Alkimist.  The chemistry shared between these two musicians, both of whom starred in 2004’s Ayan, was evident to all in the audience.  Looking very comfortable and right at home with his guitar, Princezito, who is from the town of Tarrafal (Santiago), invited Vadú to join him on stage for a few duets.  The result was a sublime atmosphere where waves crashed, the sea breeze lifted spirits and all ears stayed in tune to the riffs of a guitar and the beat of the drums.