Lourenço Fernandes Silva Tavares

Tarrafal, Santiago, 1966

Singer, songwriter

Maruka, who sometimes identifies himself as Maruka Xica, was the creator of the Tarraf’all stars project in 2005, which involved artists from Tarrafal de Santiago such as Mário Lúcio, Princezito, Chando Graciosa, and Beto Dias, as well as lesser-known names. The initiative aimed to promote the launch of new talents from Tarrafal with the support of celebrities, work on the municipality’s tourist image through music and music video made simultaneously, and raise funds, in partnership with the City Hall, to open a music school for children. However, this last goal did not come to fruition.

In 2008, Maruka released the album Testamentu, which featured mostly songs of his own composition. His lyrics address rural life and social issues while also expressing concerns about contemporary life. Maruka accompanies himself on guitar, and the album is produced and arranged by Kim Alves, who plays several instruments. His second album, Kais di sabi – Blues from Cabo Verde, was released in 2015, this time with the collaboration of Hernani Almeida. The album features several vocal appearances, including Cremilda Medina, Eneida Moniz, Djoy Amado, and Leane Costa.

Son of a guitarist and nephew of a violinist, Maruka learned to play the guitar on his own, watching his brothers and friends, starting at the age of 9. Later, at the São José Seminary, in Praia, he continued his musical education with priests Constantina and José Álvaro. In high school, he interacted with musicians such as Kim Alves and Adão Brito. Between 1984 and 1992, in Tarrafal, he participated in a group called Pan-di-bitcho. For some time, he also experimented with the keyboard before deciding to focus on the guitar. He performed at live music venues in Praia before leaving to the USA.

In the US, he joined the Terreru group, alongside Jacinto Fernandes, Djinho Barbosa, Djoy Amado, and Calu di Guida. Formed in 2021, this group aims to create music based on experimentation and Cape Verdean musical traditions.

In addition to being a musician, Maruka is a nurse with a master’s in public health and is currently pursuing a doctorate in mental health.

Discography

• Testamentu, Valsa Africana, Lisbon, 2008.
• Kais di sabi, author’s edition, 2014.

Songs

Afasta di Mi; Amizadi; Banju; Boka a Boka; Cais di Sabi; Cau Berdi; CV; Delirio; Disigualdadi; Eclipsi di Vida;  kabesa na badju, Kabuverdiano, Nabegan; parcer, Ôra Txon; Pidimentu, Retórika; 7 pinuria, 7 Saia; Testamentu.

Watch and listen