Remembering Cesária Évora: The Cape Verdean Singer Who Brought African Music to the World

The Legacy of Cesária Évora

Cape Verde, an archipelago off the coast of Senegal, is home to around 800,000 people. For decades, the country's music was little known beyond its borders. That changed in 1992 when Cesária Évora released her album 'Miss Perfumado', which became a crossover hit across Europe, selling 500,000 copies in France alone. In the US, Évora became the biggest-selling African artist of the 20th century.

The Rise to Fame

Évora's music career began with performances in bars in her early teens. She recorded music in the 1960s, but it wasn't until 1985, when she was discovered by José da Silva, a Paris-based Cape Verdean musician, that her career took off. Da Silva founded the Lusafrica label specifically for her, and her album 'Mar Azul' (Blue Sea) in 1991 marked a turning point in her career, leading to her international fame.

The Impact of Her Music

• Évora's music introduced the world to traditional Cape Verdean mornas, mournful ballads sung in the Kriolu language.
• She collaborated with top Cuban and Brazilian musicians, and famous fans like Caetano Veloso and Bonnie Raitt made guest appearances on her albums.
• Évora's influence can be detected in later artists, including Madonna, who requested Évora to sing at her wedding.

The Personal Story

Évora's life was marked by hardship and struggle. Raised in poverty, she was placed in an orphanage at 10. She struggled with alcoholism and depression but found solace in her music. Despite her international fame, Évora remained humble and dedicated to her homeland.

The Future of Her Legacy

Évora's legacy continues to inspire new generations of musicians. A concert at London's Barbican will celebrate her music with mornas performed by rising Cape Verdean singers. Her impact on African music and global culture is undeniable, and her name will continue to be celebrated for years to come.