Zé Galvão

Published by caboverde on 09/21/202609/21/2026

José Osório Galvão

São Filipe, Fogo, 1965

Singer, composer, instrumentalist (bass)

Born on the island of Fogo, Zé Galvão lived on Santiago Island from the age of four, first in Praia and later in Pedra Badejo. There, he was the lead singer and drummer of the group Strongs.

In 1988 he emigrated to the United States. Since then, he has been involved with several groups as a bassist and/or vocalist. These bands include Cave Band (1989-1990), Eco Tropical (1990-1991), Nha Terra (1991), La Tour (1991-1994), Uprising (1994-1997), and Os Pecos Band (1995). With Uprising, he performed as a bassist and backing vocalist, and on their 2009 album (Noz ê Kampion), he sang two of his own compositions, “Afinal” and “Tempo minineza”.

Since 2015, he has been a member of Narkotx, a rock group in which he performs as both bassist and vocalist, as well as a composer.

As a solo singer, Zé Galvão has a very eclectic repertoire, ranging from morna to rock. He recorded his first album in 1997, Sensual, produced by Calú di Guida, featuring songs by him, Calú, and Dick d’ Ano Nobu. In 2010, he released the album In love, with his own compositions as well as songs by Chandinho Dedé, among other composers.

Over the years, Zé Galvão has accompanied several artists, traveling throughout different states in the United States and to several countries. With Chandinho Dedé, he participated in the tour promoting the album Dog between 1996 and 1997, which traveled through Portugal, Cabo Verde, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and France. He also accompanied Zerui Depina in the 2000s; Norberto Tavares from 2004 to 2009; and John Miranda (2010-2011). In the studio, he has collaborated with several artists including Calu Bana, Lutchinha, Jorge Sena, and Kim Alves, among others.

Together with a group of Cabo Verdean artists – Calu Bana, Gau Salgado, Timmy dos Santos, and Stacy Soares – he participated in the African Music Festival in Paris, in 1999, and in a tribute in 2006 to Norberto Tavares held in Assomada.

Zé Galvão, performing live and in the studio. Bottom picture: with Tchico Evora (drums), José Luís Santos Spencer (guitar), and Anderson Fontes (bass). Photos courtesy of Zé Galvão

Discography

Sensual, CD, edition by the author, Brockton, 1997.
In love, CD, Chacha Music, Brockton, 2010.
Featured on CD Amor Transatlântico, by Benvindo Cruz, performing “Faltam palavras”.
Featured on John Miranda Homenagem ao pai-mestre Josézinho, performing “Triste Gonia”.
Featured on Revivê noz Cultura e tradição (various artists), produced by Santos Spencer.
Featured on Calú d’Arquiteto, Alma Vibrações, performing “Tras de horizonte”.

Compositions

Afinal; Bem pa mi; Bó ê di meu (parceria com Tó Rodrigues – Tó de Jamm Band); Crazy Life; Da amor atenção (parceria com Toni Kid); Fofa; Frio de Setembro; In Love; Keli ê Pamodi; Kriolos (parceria com Shokanti); Kuzé nta fazi?; Locu, apaixonado; Lugar ki ka tem lei; Mensonges (com versão em cabo-verdiano: So mentira); Mi só (parceria com Amarildo Geovanni); Midjor nu para (parceria com Toni Kid); Narkotx; Nha Dor; One more chance; Rockers; Sensual (parceria com Dick de Ano Nobu); Só bó; Tarraxinha; Tempo minineza; Vida ka fácil; Wrong number.