Rappers sing Cabral
It’s often noted that Cabral’s legacy is at risk of fading among younger generations born in independent Cabo Verde. However, there are those committed in preserving his memory alive and condemning injustices Cabral would have fought against. Rap music has become a vehicle not only for expressing strong messages but also for celebrating Cabral’s enduring influence.
The group GPI (Gajos Políticos Inteligentes) recorded “Amílcar Cabral”on their CD Castelon (2007). The lyrics pay homage Cabral alongside figures like Mandela, Malcolm X, Panteras Negras, Che Guevara, Aristides Pereira and all the leaders of Black Africa, featuring the voice of Ildo Lobo in “Labanta braço” as a backdrop.
The composition “20 dy Janeiro” by Stars, from the album Starslogia (2009), opens with the sound of shotguns, mourning Cabral’s death and painting a somber picture of contemporary Cabo Verde.
In 2009, the group Fidjuz di Cabral released the video “Povu Indipendenti (Cabral Luta!)”, in Holland, concluding with the phrase “Sonhu ta kontinua”.
In the same year, Shokanti, in “Bandera” (2009) incorporates traditional flag festival sounds from the island of Fogo into his text, and states: “E ka statua ki ta honra Cabral/Mas se palabras ki nu ten ki pratikal”.
Ponba Preto’s “Abel Djassi” (2010) highlights Cabral’s journey and expresses concern over his fading legacy. The song remember Tony Lima’s refrain “Amilcar, you died early”, concluding with “The people united will never be defeated”.
Expavi features “KKKolonial” on the mixtape Raiz & Kultura (2011), sampling “Cabral gritá”, by África Star.
The rappers Kaya, LBC Minao Soldjah and Chullage reference Tony Lima’s work in their lyrics, emphasizing cultural preservation: “Foi pa ke que bo more/Bo more pa nos / Ma pov ago ka kre sabe” (What did you die for / You died for us / But the people don’t care now).
Pex, Rabeladu Lopi and Hélio Batalha, recorded “Cabralistas (wake up)”, on the mixtape R.A.P Motiva-som (2013). The lyrics refer the conflicts and difficulties of current times, exhorting: “ta na ora di bu korda!” (It’s time for you to wake up).
In turn, the duo Rapaz 100 Juiz, with the Uni-CV choir, presents “Karta pa Cabral”, on the the CD Voz di Vozis (2014), criticizing current events and media narratives.
Sindykatto de Guetto (ft. GPI) brings “Golpe de Estado” (2012), with Amilcar Cabral’s voice exclaiming “it’s time to act”, urging political engagement across the islands: “Nu marcha!” (Let’s go!).
Kuumba, Hélio Batalha, GG, Cerebral, Seiva, MC Ngunda, DNA come together in “A Luta continua” (2015), composition that aims to promote unity and resistance. It is a moment for rappers from Praia and Mindelo to come together, serving as promotional music for the first National Festival Rhythms and Poetry in 2015, which was only held twice, organized by MH2CH – Associação Movimento Hip-Hop de Cabo Verde.
Thank you to Wilson Redy Lima for supporting the creation of this page.
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