Music and Festivals in Cape Verde

Off the coast of West Africa, the Cape Verde Islands are renowned for their stunning beaches, volcanic landscapes and luxury resorts – but also their vibrant cultural scene. Music is at the heart of Cape Verdean life, so let’s explore the music and festivals in Cape Verde.

Cape Verdean Music

The music in Cape Verde has several distinctive genres:

Butuku:

• Cape Verde’s oldest indigenous musical style in the form of acappella singing.
• Butuku music follows a call and response structure, with a lead singer ‘calling’ and the supporting singers ‘responding’
• It was often performed at ceremonies like weddings and holy days, but today artists such as Lura and Mayra Andrade, have embraced the form, breathing new life into it.

Morna:

• Often described as the soul of Cape Verde, it’s a melancholic style led by guitar, ukelele or other string instruments and voice.
• Morna tends to evoke deep emotion, it’s haunting and mournful (hence the name!) echoing Portuguese Fado music and the types of blues songs sung on slave ships.
• Legendary singer Cesária Évora brought Morna to international music scene – even earning a Grammy Award in 1995.
• Contemporary artists like Mayra Andrade and Tito Paris continue to reinvent it with modern influences.

Funaná:

• A lively, accordion-driven genre, Funaná is steeped in African rhythms resulting in energetic and upbeat tunes.
• Funana was once banned for being “too African” before Cape Verde gained independance in 1975 – since then it has thrived.
• Bands like Bulimundo and Ferro Gaita still keep this energetic music alive today.

Coladeira:

• Coladeira evolved from Morna with a faster, danceable tempo, blending African, Latin, and European influences in the 1930s
• Tito Paris, who brought Haitian influences into play, has since created numerous sub-genres known variously as Zouk, Cabo-Swing and Cabo-Love.

Festivals in Cape Verde

Music and celebration go hand in hand in Cape Verde, with each island offering its own unique events. The festivals are a mix of religious and secular, traditional and contemporary, and they are perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture.

Sal festivals

Sal is a hub of festivities, particularly at the end of the UK’s summer season:

Nossa Sra. De Piedade (Our Lady of Pity Day)

When is it?

• August

What is it:

• A day-long celebration beginning with morning Mass at the Santa Maria church, followed by a colorful procession and live music at the beach.
• Swimming races and parties on the beach add to the festive atmosphere.

Santa Maria Music Festival

When is it?

• September

What is it:

• The Santa Maria Music Festival, also known as Municipality Day, is part of the celebration of Sal’s patron saint and takes place over a weekend.
• It’s a beachfront festival showing local and international artists, blending Cape Verdean, Portuguese, Brazilian, and African influences.
• Bonfires light up the night as locals gather for music, dance and celebrations.

Boa Vista festivals

Boa Vista comes alive with summer festivals that draw crowds from across the islands:

Festival of Santa Isabel

When is it?

• July

What is it:

• Santa Isabel is the patron saint in Boa Vista so it’s a festival celebrating her with traditional music, crafts, food stalls, horse racing, and public balls
• Crowds will travel from other islands and further afield for the festivities and colourful processions

Festival of Music of Praia d’Cruz 

When is it?

• August

What is it:

• In Sal Rei, musicians from Boa Vista and beyond take the main stage on the beach, delivering several days of high-energy performances.
• Both locals and tourists revel in the music, food, and lively atmosphere.

Santiago and São Vicente festivals

Gambio Festival (Santiago)

When is it?

• May

What is it:

• A three-day event in the island’s capital, Praia, featuring national and international artists and Salsa, Latin, and traditional Cape Verdean rhythms.

Baía das Gatas Festival (São Vicente)

When is it?

• August

What is it:

• One of West Africa’s largest music festivals, it’s set on the beachfront under the full moon for a whole weekend – drawing crowds for an unforgettable celebration of music, camping, and dancing.

 

If you’ve got a love for culture, music and festivals, then a Cape Verde holiday is certainly on the cards for you!

Browse all our Cape Verde holiday deals and time it right to get the full experience with a festival in Cape Verde.