Udi, a singer, songwriter, and guitarist originating from the outskirts of Porto Alegre’s Restinga neighborhood in the southern zone of the capital, derives inspiration from the diverse African rooted sounds worldwide. As he aptly expresses, “In every corner of this earth, there is a bit of Africa.” In each musical creation, he crafts his unique interpretation of African-grounded music.
One of the most renowned compositions by Cape Verdean singer Cesária Évora is “Petit Pays.” Cesária Évora, celebrated for her mastery of morna, a traditional musical genre from Cape Verde known for its gentle and nostalgic melodies, created a beautiful ballad expressing the yearning for her homeland. The song eloquently portrays the profound connection she maintained with Cape Verde, serving as a tribute to its culture and roots.
In Udi Fagundes’ rendition, “Petit Pays” (Amplifica, 2023), the song embraces the rich tradition of Brazilian Popular Music (MPB) while incorporating elements reminiscent of traditional African music. This fusion imparts a nostalgic and sentimental tone, echoing the spirit of samba and creating a fitting backdrop for the lyrical narrative. The choice of this particular single reflects Udi’s thorough exploration of Cesária Évora’s repertoire, a journey that commenced during his role as a guitarist accompanying rapper Gabriel O Pensador in Cape Verde in 2014.
Udi’s discerning ear identified rhythmic parallels between the genres of morna and samba, introducing a Latin thread that enriches his music with influences from the borderlands of southern Brazil.
Author: World Music Central News Room
World music news from the editors at World Music Central