In the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean, nearly 400 miles off the coast of Senegal, lies the enchanting archipelago of Cape Verde, a nation with a population akin to the vibrant city of Leicester. Yet, for decades, the captivating music of this island nation remained largely unknown beyond its shores. That is, until the release of an album that would change everything.
The Rise of a Cape Verdean Star
In 1992, Cesária Évora, a singer from Cape Verde, released her album ‘Miss Perfumado’, a record that would propel her to international stardom. With a voice that was both smoky and seductive, Évora captivated audiences across Europe, selling an astonishing 500,000 copies in France alone. In the United States, she became the best-selling African artist of the 20th century, a remarkable feat for an artist singing in the Kriolu language, a unique blend of old Portuguese and West African tongues.
A Legacy to Celebrate
Next month, London’s Barbican will host a concert in honor of Évora’s legacy, featuring rising Cape Verdean singers paying tribute to her through the performance of morna, the mournful ballads that defined her career. Mayra Andrade, a celebrated vocalist who was mentored by Évora, emphasizes the importance of these concerts, stating, “She put Cape Verde on the map, and we Cape Verdeans are determined to keep her name and music alive.”
A Life of Hardship and Resilience
Évora’s journey to stardom was not an easy one. Raised in the port city of Mindelo on the island of São Vicente, she experienced poverty from a young age. At just 10 years old, she was placed in an orphanage as her widowed mother struggled to provide for her children. Évora’s music career began in bars during her early teens, and while she made recordings in the 1960s, they were not successful, and she retired from singing in 1975, battling alcoholism and depression.
The Turning Point
It was in 1985 that Évora felt ready to return to the stage, and it was then that her career began to take off. A performance at a restaurant in Lisbon, where she was brought by morna singer Bana, caught the attention of José da Silva, a Cape Verdean musician based in Paris. Da Silva founded the Lusafrica label specifically for Évora, and her album ‘Mar Azul’, released in 1991, showcased her unique voice backed by a small acoustic combo, a departure from the pop arrangements of her previous records. ‘Mar Azul’’s melancholy beauty won over a new audience, and ‘Miss Perfumado’ solidified her status as a star.
Personal Encounters with a Legend
I had the privilege of interviewing Évora twice, once in London and once in Paris. Through a translator, I found her to be droll and wise, with a unique perspective on her success. When I asked about her international fame, she replied, “Why should I be surprised that people like my singing? In Cape Verde, I was always asked to sing for foreigners, and they liked my singing. I knew if I could get to Europe, people would appreciate me.”
A Stoic Spirit
Évora’s life had been marked by hardship, including three failed marriages and the loss of one of her children. Yet, she remained stoic, stating that she had no interest in romance. Her true passion lay in her homeland, and she lit up when speaking about Cape Verde. Despite her success, she longed to return to her roots, stating, “I’m not interested in parties or glamour. You have more resources than Cape Verde; beyond that, we are all the same.”
A Complex Relationship with the Music Industry
Évora’s journey was not without its challenges. She spoke of the disappointment of her recordings “disappearing” in the Netherlands and alleged that she was not paid for her work with Bana in Lisbon. It was José da Silva who treated her with honor and respect, managing and producing her career. Da Silva ensured Évora continued to evolve, collaborating with top Cuban and Brazilian musicians, and attracting famous fans like Caetano Veloso and Bonnie Raitt.
A Global Impact
While the UK initially lagged behind in embracing Évora’s music, David Jones, the former head of Serious, a live music organization, helped bring her to British audiences through festivals and concert halls. Jones recalls Évora’s love for performing in small clubs, a reminder of her early days, and her kindness and generosity. “I know she loved getting up and singing. She saw herself as a channel for this music,” he said.
A Lasting Influence
Despite health issues, including a minor stroke during a tour of Australia, Évora continued to perform until her final days. Her health declined, but her voice remained strong. She underwent heart surgery and battled hypertension and respiratory illness, ultimately passing away in 2011 at the age of 70. Even in her final hours, she was drinking, smoking, and singing with friends and family.
A Lasting Legacy
Today, Mindelo’s international airport bears Évora’s name, and a statue of her greets visitors. Cape Verdean music thrives, and Évora’s influence can be felt far and wide, even in Madonna’s 2019 album ‘Madame X’, which draws from Portuguese roots. Mayra Andrade holds onto the valuable advice Évora gave her: “If you are a singer, never forget the audience will decide if you go up or down.”
In Conclusion
Cesária Évora’s story is a testament to the power of music and the resilience of the human spirit. Her journey from restaurant singer to global star is a reminder that talent and perseverance can transcend borders and languages. Évora’s legacy lives on, not only in her music but also in the inspiration she continues to provide to artists and fans alike.
