Simentera was an innovative Cape Verdean band that became popular in the world music circuit in the early 2000s.
“If we don’t modernize our music we will end up with a museum-piece in the same way as has already happened in many places around the world. A music which has an ethnographic value and thus ceases to be the expression of a popular feeling,” ” said band founder Mario Lucio de Sousa.
Simentera composed new songs for acoustic instruments. Members of Simentera came from many walks of life. Not only were they accomplished musicians, they also worked in a variety of professions including law, architecture, engineering, medicine, and others. They were one of the few Cape Verdean groups committed to living in their country forever. This may sound like an odd distinction, but the forces they were up against were enormous.
Cape Verde was the last African nation to gain independence from European colonial powers-a factor that has contributed to enthusiasm in national identity. Simentera was dedicated to maintaining this newfound identity and started a foundation for musical preservation. The Simentera Foundation aimed to establish a cultural center, a music school for children, and a CD shop that will promote Cape Verdean artists.
Simentera disbanded in 2004.
Mario Lucio de Sousa was named Cultural Ambassador of Cape Verde in 2011 and received the WOMEX 2014 Professional Excellence Award.
Discography
Raiz (Lusafrica, 1992)
Barro E Voz (Mélodie, 1997)
Cabo Verde En Serenata (Piranha, 2000)
Tr’Adictional (Mélodie, 2003)
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.
