Adriano Gonçalves Mindelo, São Vicente, 1932 – Lisbon, 2013 Singer, music publisher Bana, considered “the greatest interpreter of morna and coladeira” – genres to which he dedicated his more than 50 years career – is among the Cabo Verdean artists with the most extensive discographies. He was a true giant Read more
Pawtucket, USA, 1972 Singer Daughter of parents from Mindelo, born in the US, as a child she was amazed by Michael and Janet Jackson’s dance moves. At the age of 12 she began singing in the youth choir of the Baptist church she attended, becoming a soloist. After debuting in Read more
Angelo Alberto Lopes Barbosa Assomada, Santiago, 1964 Songwriter, Instrumentalist (guitar, bass, keyboard) Djinho Barbosa was a member of Abel Djassi in the late 1970s, being part of the first formation of the group, which underwent several changes. Before that, still in Assomada, he formed Pó di Terra with his brother Read more
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 Read more
Ildo Neves de Sousa Lobo Sal, 1953 – Praia, Santiago, 2004 Singer, songwriter Owner of a sonorous, open, and powerful voice, Ildo Lobo was already one of the most acclaimed artists among the Cabo Verdean public long before starting his solo career. From the mid-1970s to the mid-1990s, as a Read more
Joaquim de Pina Fajã d’Água, Brava, 1950s Singer, songwriter, producer, businessman Romantic singer, but with an eclectic repertoire where there’s room for the various Cape Verdean rhythms, from morna to funaná, including koladera, and even space for zouk at times and Brazilian music, of which he is an admirer. He Read more
Praia, Santiago, 1960s Singer, songwriter Gardénia Benrós brings together in her work the different musical influences received throughout a journey in which at the age of 16, she found herself in the USA singing in a group composed by young Cape Verdeans, the Tropical Power. From the age 3 to Read more
João Cirilo Pereira Monteiro Polon de Engenho, Santa Catarina, Santiago, 1954 Singer, songwriter, instrumentalist (harmonica, guitar) Although João Cirilo is always associated with funaná, mornas, koladeras, reggae, and other rhythms are also part of his repertoire, depending on the times. His first album is Ilusão dess mundo, from 1978, accompanied Read more
Francisco de Pina Santana, Brava, 1955 Instrumentalist (drums), singer, songwriter Born on the island of Brava, Frank de Pina spent his childhood in the city of Praia, where he lived from the age of 6 to 18. As a teenager, he participated as a drummer in the group Os Vulcânicos. Read more
José António Barbosa Silva Praia, Santiago, 1950 – USA, 2019 Singer, songwriter Living in the USA since 1975, where he owned a construction company, José Silva released the album Subi montanha, with production and arrangements by Ramiro Mendes, who plays several instruments, as well as Zunga Pinheiro. In 1985, as Read more