Oriana Bohème (UK)

Oriana Bohème is a Birmingham-born singer-songwriter, photographer and educator who lives on a houseboat in the English countryside. Drawing on childhood choral training and influences ranging from Kirsty MacColl to Fela Kuti and Serge Gainsbourg, she creates music that crosses cultures and languages. Bohème has collaborated with Diego Laverde, Chebeto Requena, Henry Bravo, Baldo Verdú, Greig Stewart (Guillemots) and Dan Glendining (Headswim and BlackCar), among others. She is currently working on a project with French artist Apadelou. A solo motorbike journey across South America was among the travels that shaped her songwriting and inspired her to explore global music traditions. Her 2023 debut collection, The Tigers of Bardo, combines original songs with faithful interpretations drawn from the rich musical traditions of Cabo Verde and Venezuela.

Featured Song:

“Petit Pays” (Little Country), written by Nando da Cruz, was made famous by Cesária Évora, whose recordings, including this ode to her homeland and its diverse musical traditions, brought international attention to Cabo Verdean music before her death in 2011. “Lost in this vast world / Just rock and sea / A poor land full of love / There is morna, there is coladeira / There is batuque, there is funaná / Little country, I love you so much.”

Artist Website

Featured on:

Click image to learn more

•