Cape Verde’s Hidden British Influence and Its Musical Legacy

Music and culture are inextricably linked in Cape Verde. Known for its vibrant musical scene, the country’s musical heritage has been enriched by various foreign presences, particularly the British. Jazz singer-songwriter and instrumentalist Carmen Souza explores this aspect with her recent album, Port’Inglês—meaning English port. This project delves into the often-overlooked 120-year-old British influence on Cape Verdean music and society.

The Creole Connection to British English

As a child, Carmen Souza frequently encountered the word ariope when her father urged her to hurry up. It wasn’t until much later that she realized the word was derived from the English phrase “hurry up,” a testament to the linguistic and cultural blending that characterized her home.

In Cape Verdean Creole, similar English-derived words abound, such as salong,fulespide,streioei, and bot, meaning “so long,” “full speed,” “straightaway,” and “boat,” respectively. These etymologically rich linguistic intersections reflect the enduring impact of British presence.

An Album Inspired by History

Souza’s journey began as research for her master’s degree, where she sought to investigate whether there was a musical legacy left by the lengthy British presence in Cape Verde. Her quest revealed limited available musical recordings from that era, with only fragile wax cylinders containing glimpses of early music. Instead of focusing on these relics, Carmen and her collaborator, Theo Pas’cal, created original music inspired by historical narratives.

In crafting Port’Inglês, Souza blends jazz and English sea shanties with traditional Cape Verdean rhythms, such as the funaná and batuque. These musical genres, characterized by their rich cultural heritage, serve as a foundation for her innovative compositions.

The British Impact on Cape Verde

Geographically positioned about 500 kilometers off the West African coast, the Cape Verdean islands are strategically important for maritime trade. Initially under Portuguese control, their global prominence declined after the abolition of the slave trade. However, it was during the 18th and 19th centuries that British merchants took a renewed interest in the archipelago.

British merchants came to Cape Verde for various resources, including labor, salt, and archil, a type of ink. Their presence boosted infrastructure development, including building roads, bridges, and improving natural ports, which were renamed Port’Inglês or English ports. Additionally, coaling stations and submarine communications hubs were established.

One of the most significant ports was São Vicente’s Mindelo, which became essential for steamships crossing the Atlantic Ocean. This bustling activity increased Mindelo’s global significance, making it an integral part of international trade.

Personal Connections to History

As Souza delved into the research, she found numerous personal links to the British era. Her grandfather, a stevedore responsible for loading coal onto ships in Mindelo, was one of the many Cape Verdeans influenced by British activity. His story inspired a song titled Ariope, which uses the phrase “ariope” to urge a younger man to work quickly. The lyrics reflect the urgency with which British ships demanded quick service, encapsulating the historical context in a musical format.

Carmen Souza’s family

Social and Musical Integration

During the British era, Cape Verdean society witnessed a significant influx of foreign influences, including music. Ports, which served as hubs for trade, also became melting pots for musical ideas, where local Cape Verdean rhythms and foreign musical forms collided and combined.

One of the most influential Cape Verdean composers, Francisco Beleza (also known as B Léza), highlighted the benefits of the British presence. He admired the British, especially during World War II, composing music that expressed solidarity and even raising funds for the British war effort. His songs, such as Hitler ca ta ganha guerra, ni nada (Hitler will not win the war), showcased his support for the British.

Early documents from historians, such as Charles Darwin’s account of his visit in 1832, provide insights into traditional Cape Verdean music. Darwin’s description of a group of women performing the batuque, a dance with roots in African musical traditions, illustrates the cultural resilience and diversity present during the British era. Souza’s commemorative song, Sant Jago, incorporates Darwin’s narrative, celebrating the warm hospitality he received.

Preserving and Evolving Musical Traditions

Despite the rich musical heritage, many Cape Verdean traditional rhythms, such as the contradança, are at risk of disappearing. Souza aims to preserve these musical forms by introducing modern elements into them, blending traditional Cape Verdean music with jazz and other genres.

Her approach to music reflects a process of creolisation, where different cultural influences merge and evolve over time. By incorporating improvisation, piano, flute, and jazz harmonization, Souza ensures that Cape Verdean music remains vibrant and relevant to contemporary audiences.

Restoring and revitalizing musical traditions is crucial for maintaining cultural identity. Souza hopes to inspire younger generations to discover new ways to fuse traditional with modern sounds, ensuring that Cape Verde’s rich musical legacy continues to thrive.

A Musical Tribute

Port’Inglês, Carmen Souza’s album, is a testament to the complex interweaving of cultural influences in Cape Verde. By combining personal stories, historical research, and musical innovation, she creates a musical narrative that resonates deeply with her cultural roots and the broader Cape Verdean community.

Exploring the under-documented British presence in Cape Verde, Souza not only pays homage to her heritage but also contributes to the ongoing chapter of Cape Verdean music, ensuring that its story is told and celebrated.

Port’Inglês by Carmen Souza is released through Galileo MC

Conclusion

Cape Verde’s musical heritage is a rich tapestry of various cultural influences, with the British presence leaving an indelible mark. Through her album Port’Inglês, Carmen Souza sheds light on this often-overlooked aspect of Cape Verdean history, merging traditional and modern music to preserve and celebrate the country’s cultural identity.

By honoring her heritage and promoting musical evolution, Carmen Souza not only captivates audiences with her work but also plays a vital role in preserving Cape Verde’s vibrant and diverse cultural legacy.