Ceuzany – Ilha D’Melodia (Lusafrica, 2015)
Vocalist Ceuzany is one of the rising talents of Cape Verdean music. Ilha D’Melodia is her second album. She performs an engaging mix of traditional Cape Verdean music and modern influences such as pop and funk.
Ceuzany was born in Senegal to Cape Verdean parents. Her father was from the southern island of Fogo and her mother from the northwestern island of São Vicente. Ceuzany lived in Senegal until the age of 2, when her family returned to Mindelo in São Vicente.
In 2008, Ceuzany won an award at a gala contest for singers from the island of Fogo. Arlindo Evora, the leader of Cordas do Sol, met her there and invited her to join the group.
With her first solo album, Nha Vida (2012), Ceuzany showcased her remarkable vocal potential and talent as a performer, attracting interest from professionals and national and foreign media.
The lineup on Ilha D’Melodia includes Ceuzany on vocals; Guy N’Sangué on bass; Nelly da Cruz on bass; Samu Cruz on cavaquinho; Valery Bai on congas and percussion; Magik Santiago on drums and cymbal; Hernani Almeida on guitar, keyboards, percussion and backing vocals; Diego Gomes on organ; and Renato Almeida on backing vocals.
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.