When Cape Verdean jazz singer-songwriter Carmen Souza was growing up, she often heard her father urge her to "ariope," a Creole term derived from English, meaning "hurry up." Years later, this nostalgic reminder inspired Souza to explore her ancestry through music, leading to the creation of her new album, "Port'Inglês," which delves into the British influence on Cape Verdean culture.
The Cape Verdean islands, located approximately 500km off the West African coast, hold a fascinating history interwoven with British presence dating back over 120 years. Combining jazz elements with traditional Cape Verdean rhythms such as funaná and batuque, Souza seeks to illustrate this cultural connection in her work. Encouraged by her initial research during her master's program, she found numerous English-derived words in the Cape Verdean Creole language, like "salong" (so long) and "fulespide" (full speed).
As Souza and her collaborator Theo Pas'cal crafted new music based on stories from Cape Verde's past, they also regarded the impact of British maritime activity. Notably, the Mindelo port became a crucial refueling station for steamships traversing the Atlantic during the 18th and 19th centuries. While British merchants aimed to leverage local resources, Souza connected with her grandfather's legacy, who loaded coal onto ships in Mindelo, inspiring her song "Ariope."
Through her fresh take on historical influences, Souza aims to create a fusion of jazz and Cape Verdean styles that resonate with both her heritage and contemporary audiences. The album's tracks, such as "Amizadi," reflect on the societal dynamics of that time and follow in the footsteps of prominent musicians like Cesária Évora and Francisco Beleza, who shaped the national music landscape.
Despite the scarcity of older recordings documenting Cape Verdean music, Souza discovered insights from historical figures like Charles Darwin, whose writings described local singing traditions. By blending these traditional forms with improvisation and modern instrumentation, she hopes to foster a renewed appreciation for these genres among younger musicians and audiences.
The release of "Port'Inglês" is not just an artistic endeavor but a journey through interconnected histories, cultural resilience, and a celebration of the rich musical tapestry of Cape Verde, aiming to preserve and inspire future generations through innovative expressions of traditional music.
