Gardénia Benrós was born in the city of Praia, on the island of Santiago, in Cape Verde. Gardénia got her inspiration from the morna traditions of the island of Brava. These influences were present in her first album, released in 1986, where she performed the compositions of the famous poet Eugénio Tavares. Her voice travels through different places and times, bridging the islands, as well as bridging the islands to the world.
Gardénia has inspired poets and composers like Manuel de Novas, João Amaro, Teófilo Chantre, among others. The poet Jomar in the poem “Louvor a Gardénia”, writes: “When singing mornas you are a genie, a messenger for us all, you are beautiful with all courtesy and you bewitch all with your voice.” Throughout her career, she has performed in the United States, where she lives, and she has enchanted audiences with her performances in many countries, including Canada, Barbados, France, Holland, Spain, Portugal and Cape Verde
On different occasions she has been accompanied by musicians from the different areas of Cape Verdean music: Luís Morais and Chico Serra, Tito Paris, Kiki, Jonh Mota, Zé Mário, Péricles Duarte, Batista, Djoy Delgado Danny Carvalho and Manuel d’Candinho, having the last three participated in Bo Kin Cre, where batuque, funaná, morna and coladeira still allow for a touch of samba and salsa.
Discography:
Gardenia Benrós (Polydor, 1986)
O Melhor De Cabo Verde Mix (MB Records, 1989)
E Sim…! (MB Records, 1990)
O Melhor de Cabo Verde Mix II (MB Records, 1994)
Kryola D’Encantar (Polydor, 1995)
Bo Kin Cre (Independent Talent Productions, 1999)
Morna Nôs Herança (2001)
The Soulful Voice of Cape Verde (Independent Talent Productions, 2006)
Flor Caboverdiana (Independent Talent Productions, 2011)
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
We have enjoyed her music and personality style over the years, we look forward to hearing from her again remaking music or a new sound. Thank you for your support and inspiration to understand our culture and roots in Cape Verdean County.