Africa-Press – Cape verde. The third and final night of the 14th edition of the Kriol Jazz Festival was marked by music from Cape Verde, the United States, Spain and Angola. Taking to the stage on this last night of the festival were: Nancy Vieira (Cape Verde), Michelle David & The True-Tones (United States), Las Karamba (Spain) and Bonga (Angola).
Cape Verdean singer Nancy Vieira opened the night in style, with her beautiful compositions. With a sweet and charming voice, she shared special moments with the public. Nancy presented her new album, Gente, released last year, for the first time in Cape Verde.
In addition to the songs on the new album, Nancy recalled themes from previous albums that were very successful. The singer highlighted that singing at Pracinha da Escola Grande and on the stage of the Kriol Jazz Festival was an exciting experience.
“Emotion for all the reasons. I’m not just talking about Nancy the artist, but about the daughter of this city, who despite not being born here, grew up in Praia, played in this little square, studied at Escola Grande, so it had everything to be a great night of emotion. And, obviously, the people, for me, are the most important thing,” he stressed.
For Nancy, the Pracinha da Escola Grande is a magical place. “Cape Verde, this island, the rain that came, and the people, it was all magical. The audience was generous and I saw familiar faces up close, colleagues, friends, older people I knew. I am very happy.”
About the new album, he stated that many people already know it. “But there are also others who haven’t heard it yet. It’s available on all digital platforms, and the physical album can be found in the usual stores, on CD and vinyl.”
The album, released in March 2024, is still “a child”, as Nancy says, but has already toured Europe and won awards. “This stage at the Kriol Jazz Festival was ideal for a live debut of the new songs, which does not invalidate a possible auditorium concert and participation in other festivals in the country”.
Nancy also highlighted the success of the festival. “Kriol Jazz is a success, we all know that. You journalists are witnesses to this with your work. You are witnesses to the success, not only of Cape Verdeans who come from other islands, but also of the many foreigners who are here during the festival.”
The artist stated that Cape Verdean music has the power to infect and touch people’s hearts. “What’s on the album Gente is music from Cape Verde. I felt very welcomed and loved by the public.”
The second performance of the night was by Michelle David & The True-Tones, who delighted the audience with a vibrant performance, where gospel merges with classic soul and contemporary touches, in a powerful harmony. The singer performed with a striking presence and a strong voice that won over everyone present.
Michelle David took the audience on a moving spiritual and musical journey. The singer carried messages of love, hope and freedom echoing in each melody.
She said she was very happy with the public’s reception and assured that, if she receives more invitations to perform in Cape Verde, she will certainly return.
The third show of the night was with Las Karamba, an all-female group, coming from Spain to celebrate the strength and diversity of women.
The group mixes salsa, son, cha-cha-chá, rap and urban music, in a powerful fusion of rhythms and messages. The collective was very happy to have stepped onto an African stage for the first time.
“We are very excited and hope this will not be the last time. We hope to visit more cities. We would like to thank Kriol Jazz for this opportunity and for this space dedicated to music.”
Las Karamba is made up of six women from countries such as Venezuela, Cuba, Panama, Argentina and Spain (Barcelona).
The festival ended with a performance by Angolan singer Bonga, who returned to Cape Verde after several years.
On stage, Bonga stated that he remains the same person, despite his age. He sang, interacted with the audience with his usual jokes, and showed a lot of liveliness. He took a trip through his best-known songs and paid tribute to Cesária Évora with the song “Sodade”.
The artist also recalled important names in Cape Verdean music, such as Djunga de Biluca and Humbertona.
Bonga explained to journalists that it took him a while to return to Cape Verde due to his musical career. He took the opportunity to congratulate José (Djô) da Silva for holding the event.
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