When Carmen Souza was a child, she often heard the word "ariope," a Creole term derived from the English phrase "hurry up," urging her to pick up the pace when getting ready. Now, the Cape Verdean jazz musician has embraced this cultural connection in her latest project, an album called Port'Inglês. This collection of eight songs reflects the rich history of British influence on Cape Verde, where English settlers arrived during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Souza, who has spent years in music, is not just revisiting the historical connections but also emphasizing the evolving nature of Cape Verdean music, which draws from its complexity and global influences. “Cape Verdeans have always connected with music, and it’s our greatest export," Souza explained. Her exploration into the British presence in Cape Verde brings forth personal anecdotes, including her grandfather’s stories. He worked in the Mindelo port, a significant refueling station for British ships in the Atlantic. Souza was inspired to compose "Ariope," drawing on the imagery of older men urging younger generations to hustle—evidenced in the lines reflecting her grandfather's own urging.
Researching her history led Souza to discover that the British contributed greatly to the development of sports and bridges in Cape Verde. With the abolition of the slave trade, the region transformed again into a bustling nexus for trade, significantly impacting local music styles as British maritime connections allowed for cultural form blending. This fusion is highlighted in her new tracks, which intertwine jazz with Cape Verdean rhythms like funaná and batuque.
The history of Cape Verdean music is punctuated by limited documentation from the Portuguese colonists, who prioritized tax records over cultural ones. Yet, British naturalist Charles Darwin’s accounts of his 1832 visit unveiled glimpses of the lively performances that exemplified the islands’ spirited musical scene. He noted a vibrant gathering of women singing and drumming energetically, drawing inspiration for her own song “Sant Jago” from that description.
Souza, residing in London, is part of a vast diaspora of about 700,000 Cape Verdeans globally. Her music serves as a cultural bridge between older genres and modern influences, incorporating elements of improvisation and jazz harmonizations. She hopes her album will invigorate interest in traditional sounds among younger musicians, who may tend towards contemporary styles. "There’s a way to innovate while respecting traditional genres," Souza asserts.
"Port'Inglês," featuring these integrated influences, represents a tribute to the intertwined history of Cape Verde and Britain and is set to inspire the next generation of Cape Verdean artists. The album is available through Galileo MC, promising a uniquely revamped auditory experience grounded in rich cultural storytelling.
