Cape Verde : the "enchanted" archipelago

Presentation

Off the coastlines of Senegal, the Gambia and Mauritania, the volcanic archipelago of Cape Verde comprises two series of islands: the southern island group which includes Santiago and Fogo and the northern island group with Sal and Boa Vista. Enriched by the double influence of Africa and Europe, with a colourful people of mixed descent, Cape Verde has been able to highlight its own identity by the diversity of its population and of its landscapes.

Main towns : Praia (cap. Island of Santiago), Mindelo, Assomada

Surface area: 4033 square kilometres

Population: 470,000 inhabitants

Particularity: Singing is second nature to Cape Verdeans. The better-known titles, for instance those interpreted by Cesaria Evora, Bana or Tito Paris, are mornas, languorous ballads expressing saudade or nostalgia. Many other musical styles are present in Cape Verde: the coladeira which is comparable to Brazilian music, the batuque and the finaçon are the most African rhythms of the archipelago, the funana, the music of protest, forbidden under the Portuguese occupation and now very popular amongst the young...