Cape Verdean Musician Carmen Souza Delves into British Influence with "Port'Inglês"

In her latest project, Cape Verdean jazz artist Carmen Souza explores the historical links between Cape Verde and British influences, showcasing a unique blend of traditional rhythms and English sea shanties.

Cape Verdean musician Carmen Souza is reviving the historical connection between her homeland and Britain through her new album "Port'Inglês". Drawing from childhood memories and phrases like "ariope"—a Creole adaptation of "hurry up"—Souza dives into her cultural roots. Her research showcases the 120-year British presence in Cape Verde, which attracted merchants and laborers and transformed the islands into a bustling trade hub in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Despite Cape Verde's dry and limited agricultural land, its strategic location in the Atlantic made it appealing for British merchants, leading to infrastructure developments like coaling stations and roads. Even though the country was a Portuguese colony until 1975, British connections enriched its music scene, a history Souza draws upon in her album, which combines jazz with Cape Verdean funaná and batuque rhythms.

Souza's personal ties to this heritage are evident in her exploration of her grandfather's life, who worked as a stevedore and was instrumental in Cape Verde's musical traditions. The lively port of Mindelo, known for its spirited musical exchanges, serves as a backdrop for Souza's new works, including tracks inspired by historical figures like composer Francisco Beleza.

Souza aims to engage younger generations through her reimagined approach to traditional music, blending jazz influences with local sounds to foster a new wave of creative expression in Cape Verde. Through "Port'Inglês," she hopes to ignite interest in the country's rich musical landscape, reminding listeners of its historical narratives intertwined with British maritime culture.