Evora, Cesaria
Cabo Verde
If a fortune teller had predicted her future as a world-famous singer, Cesaria Evora (1941-2011) would have declared her insane. However, she did come from a musical family, as troubadour B. Leza was her uncle. Born and raised on Sao Vicente, Evora managed to earn a living at a young age by singing in nightclubs in the port city of Mindelo. But trade declined, especially after Cape Verde gained independence in 1975. Musicians had to emigrate or find other work. Evora remained in Cape Verde to support her family with all kinds of jobs. It was not until 1985 that the then 45-year-old singer started singing again. An incidental trip to Portugal to record two songs would mark the start of a great international career. Cape Verdean producer Jos da Silva, who lived in France, discovered her and opened the door to a career in Europe. Evora's brilliant bandleader Paulino Vieira made Cape Verdean music more accessible to an international audience by adding elements of jazz, soul, Latin and blues to the morna. Evora has a warm, lived-in alto voice with which she effortlessly transports listeners into a state of melancholy and nostalgia.