Carmen Souza, a Cape Verdean musician with a passion for blending cultural sounds, was inspired by the historical ties between Cape Verde and British merchants for her new album "Port'Inglês." Having grown up hearing her family use Creole words derived from English—like "ariope," meaning hurry up—Souza's fascination with her cultural roots blossomed during her master's research on the impact of British presence in Cape Verde. As she dove into this rich tapestry of history, she discovered connections to her family's musical past, including stories of her grandfather, who worked in the bustling port of Mindelo and played the fiddle.
Cape Verde, situated 500km off the coast of West Africa, has historically served as a vital refueling and trade stop for European and American sailors. The British influence, particularly in the 18th and 19th centuries, became significant as they established coaling stations and constructed essential infrastructure. Through "Port'Inglês," Souza not only pays tribute to this era but also aims to keep the legacy of Cape Verdean music alive, intertwining jazz with traditional styles such as funaná and batuque.
Drawing from her research, she has ingeniously combined English sea shanties with Cape Verdean musical elements, creating a vibrant sound that both honors and modernizes these traditional rhythms. Each song tells a story, such as "Ariope," which reflects the essence of urgency and anticipation felt by those awaiting incoming ships. This mix of jazz improvisation and Cape Verdean melodies fosters a new appreciation for the diverse cultural influences shaping her homeland's music.
Souza’s project also addresses a potential decline of traditional genres amid newer musical trends. With many younger musicians veering away from the sounds of the past, Souza hopes her work will inspire them to explore fusion while embracing their heritage. By showcasing the rich history of Cape Verdean music and its evolution through external influences, "Port'Inglês" showcases Souza’s vision of music as a medium of connection, telling tales of the past while paving the way for future generations. Released through Galileo MC, the album resonates not just in its melodies but also in its cultural narratives.
Cape Verde, situated 500km off the coast of West Africa, has historically served as a vital refueling and trade stop for European and American sailors. The British influence, particularly in the 18th and 19th centuries, became significant as they established coaling stations and constructed essential infrastructure. Through "Port'Inglês," Souza not only pays tribute to this era but also aims to keep the legacy of Cape Verdean music alive, intertwining jazz with traditional styles such as funaná and batuque.
Drawing from her research, she has ingeniously combined English sea shanties with Cape Verdean musical elements, creating a vibrant sound that both honors and modernizes these traditional rhythms. Each song tells a story, such as "Ariope," which reflects the essence of urgency and anticipation felt by those awaiting incoming ships. This mix of jazz improvisation and Cape Verdean melodies fosters a new appreciation for the diverse cultural influences shaping her homeland's music.
Souza’s project also addresses a potential decline of traditional genres amid newer musical trends. With many younger musicians veering away from the sounds of the past, Souza hopes her work will inspire them to explore fusion while embracing their heritage. By showcasing the rich history of Cape Verdean music and its evolution through external influences, "Port'Inglês" showcases Souza’s vision of music as a medium of connection, telling tales of the past while paving the way for future generations. Released through Galileo MC, the album resonates not just in its melodies but also in its cultural narratives.
