Cape Verdean Musician Carmen Souza Revives Historical Ties Through New Album

Carmen Souza's album "Port'Inglês" reflects on the connections between British presence in Cape Verde and the island's musical heritage, employing jazz and traditional styles to appeal to new generations.

Cape Verdean musician Carmen Souza has unveiled a unique musical project titled "Port'Inglês," which draws inspiration from the historical relationship between the islands and British colonial influences. Growing up, Souza often heard her family use the Creole term "ariope," which translates to "hurry up." She later discovered that this term, along with several others, derived from English, highlighting the linguistic ties between Cape Verde and Britain.

This album comprises eight tracks, each exploring the intertwining narratives of Cape Verde's history and music, provoked by Souza's research into the 120-year British presence in her homeland. “Cape Verdeans are very connected to music; it is our biggest export,” she reflected, eager to investigate the impact of British musical styles on her community.

Souza and her musical partner Theo Pas'cal chose not to rearrange old compositions but instead portray new creations inspired by historical narratives, combining Cape Verdean rhythms, like funaná and batuque, with jazz and English sea shanties. The islands of Cape Verde, located off the west coast of Africa, served as a significant transatlantic refueling point. Historically, British merchants played a role in developing the islands by building infrastructure and establishing coaling stations.

Through her album, Souza also shares personal connections, such as her grandfather's legacy as a stevedore and fiddler, which informs her song "Ariope." She creatively imagines the historical context of the natives during the British colonial period, invoking themes of urgency and tradition in her music.

As a part of the Cape Verdean diaspora, having spent time living in Portugal and now London, Souza's experiences have shaped her understanding of the rich, melancholic musical heritage of her culture, especially the morna genre. This genre was made globally renowned by previous artists like Cesária Évora. Notably, Souza’s research revealed that influential composers like Francisco Beleza, also known as B Léza, viewed the British presence in Cape Verde as beneficial—especially for the middle class—particularly amid World War II.

With "Port'Inglês," Souza aims to inspire younger generations to reconnect with their heritage through innovative interpretations. She seeks to blend elements such as improvisation and jazz harmonization into traditional sounds, ensuring that Cape Verdean music continues its evolution while honoring the roots that connect its diverse influences. The album "Port'Inglês" by Carmen Souza is now available through Galileo MC, emphasizing a message of cultural continuation and artistic renewal.