Nancy Vieira (Cabo Verde)

Nancy Vieira is a celebrated singer known for her captivating voice and rich interpretations of traditional Cabo Verdean music genres, such as morna and coladeira. Born in 1975 in Guinea-Bissau to Cabo Verdean parents, Nancy moved to Praia, Cabo Verde, at a young age. Her musical journey began in Lisbon, where she studied and embraced her cultural roots through music. Vieira released her debut album, Nos Raça (Our People) in 1995 and has since become a prominent figure in the international global music scene, known for her soulful performances and collaborations. Each of her 7 albums showcase her ability to blend traditional sounds with modern influences, earning her international acclaim and a dedicated fanbase.

Featured Songs:

On the Café Africa track, "Singa" (Balance), from her 2024 album Gente (People), Vieira is joined by Remna Schwarz of Guinea-Bissau, son of the legendary José Carlos Schwarz. The song touches on themes of longing, solace, and resilience in the face of challenges. “The wind of our lamentation / Came rushing in / To our home / If the tide turns unfavorable / I'll come to console you.”

"Fado Crioulo” (Creole Fado) is a beautifully melancholic fusion of Portuguese fado and Cape Verdean morna, featuring tender, expressive vocals intertwined with delicate acoustic guitar. A duet with popular Portuguese singer António Zambujo, the Jazz World song uses the metaphor of a lost sailor to explore themes of love, regret, and self-destruction. “I sail because the sea is my flaw / I am made of tides and storms / I carry this ship in my chest / I tattooed a heart right on the dock.”

The Afro-Portuguesa song, “Nôve Kretxêu” (New Love), featuring Cabo Verdean music collective Acácia Maior, reflects on the ever-changing nature of human connection. Accompanied by clarinet, viola da terra (traditional 12-stringed guitar from the Azores), and layered guitars, she sings: “If you were my love yesterday / Tomorrow you may feel differently.” The song affirms that while love may fade, hope remains: “Life is a mystery, change is constant / If there is life, there is hope / For a new tomorrow, a new love too.”

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