Cape Verdean musician Carmen Souza weaves together the influences of British colonial history and local rhythms in her latest album, "Port'Inglês". By drawing inspiration from English sea shanties, Souza not only pays homage to her heritage but also revives older musical genres to inspire the next generation.
Reviving Heritage: Cape Verdean Singer Carmen Souza's Musical Journey Through English Roots
Reviving Heritage: Cape Verdean Singer Carmen Souza's Musical Journey Through English Roots
Carmen Souza's voyage of rediscovery connects English sea shanties to Cape Verdean culture, breathing new life into traditional music.
In her childhood, Carmen Souza often endured reminders to "ariope," a Creole term that beckons one to hurry, a word rooted in English. As a celebrated jazz singer-songwriter, Souza has crafted her newest album, "Port'Inglês," as a bridge between her Cape Verdean roots and the historical Anglo influences embedded within her culture.
"I wanted to explore whether British cultural exchanges had a musical impact," Souza explained. Inspired by her findings, she envisioned blending English sea shanties with Cape Verdean rhythms, such as funaná and batuque, to create a fusion that honors both traditions.
The intriguing history of Cape Verde winds back to when British merchants capitalized on the islands' strategic location as a coaling station for steamships. During this era, music flourished in bustling ports—providing opportunities for cultural interchange. Souza's grandfather, a fiddler and stevedore, becomes a poignant figure in her music, prompting her to reflect upon personal stories that connect her family to a shared heritage.
With Cape Verde's rich musical traditions facing the risk of fading, Souza hopes her album will rekindle interest among younger artists. As she combines traditional elements with jazz improvisation, she opens up possibilities for a new generation to explore their musical identity while honoring their heritage.
Souza’s work serves as more than an artistic endeavor; it is a heartfelt call to preserve and innovate Cape Verdean music, encouraging today's youth to find warmth and inspiration in their roots. As she launches "Port'Inglês," Souza's journey reflects the intertwined histories of cultures, echoing the vibrancy of Cape Verde’s past while paving a path toward its future.
"I wanted to explore whether British cultural exchanges had a musical impact," Souza explained. Inspired by her findings, she envisioned blending English sea shanties with Cape Verdean rhythms, such as funaná and batuque, to create a fusion that honors both traditions.
The intriguing history of Cape Verde winds back to when British merchants capitalized on the islands' strategic location as a coaling station for steamships. During this era, music flourished in bustling ports—providing opportunities for cultural interchange. Souza's grandfather, a fiddler and stevedore, becomes a poignant figure in her music, prompting her to reflect upon personal stories that connect her family to a shared heritage.
With Cape Verde's rich musical traditions facing the risk of fading, Souza hopes her album will rekindle interest among younger artists. As she combines traditional elements with jazz improvisation, she opens up possibilities for a new generation to explore their musical identity while honoring their heritage.
Souza’s work serves as more than an artistic endeavor; it is a heartfelt call to preserve and innovate Cape Verdean music, encouraging today's youth to find warmth and inspiration in their roots. As she launches "Port'Inglês," Souza's journey reflects the intertwined histories of cultures, echoing the vibrancy of Cape Verde’s past while paving a path toward its future.
