Artist Profiles: Derito

Helder Tavares, better known as Derito, was born in Angola, in the city of Benguela, and now lives in Portugal.

The author, composer, singer and guitar player, began performing in 1977, in Benguela (Angola), and in October of 1985 began a professional career in Lisbon.

Derito performed throughout Portugal, Angola, Cape Verde, Namibia and various European countries.

In July of 1995 Derito’s first solo album, Saudade, came out. It was the consummation of his dream.

In October of 1996 Derito released his second solo CD, Alison. His band Tropicalyssimos changed to Kissange (typical musical instrument from Africa). The group consists of drums, percussion, acoustic guitar, bass, keyboard, saxophone, trumpet, trombone and two female singers and dancers.

Derito’s experience performing for TV outlets prompted him to compile a video tape, presented at EXPO-98 in Lisbon.

Recantos de Angola is a collection of the best compositions of his two CDs, incorporating images of the rare Angolan beauty. Derito is the Angolan artist with more videos in the market, and that contributed to the quality of the compilation. He won the video of the year awards with the composition “Intumba” from his second CD Alison.

Derito & Kissange is a innovative project in the Luso-African artistic medium, with a cultural proposal distinct, based on the preservation of the musical basis from Africa, looking for an approximation to the universals standards, without compromising the origin.

The recording of his third CD, was made in Portugal, South Africa, Brazil, France and USA, between August of 2001 and November of 2003.

Discography:

Saudade (1995)
Alison (1996)
Recantos de Angola (2004)
Discernment (2007)