Cape Verdean Wall of Fame
Cape Verde has produced a number of internationally recognised figures whose influence extends far beyond the islands. How many of them do you know?
Cesária Évora: The Great Voice of Cape Verde in the World
The story of the famous Cape Verdean singer, Cesária Évora, remains one of the most remarkable narratives in world music.
Manuel Figueira and the Cape Verdean Cultural Renaissance
Manuel Figueira was a Cape Verdean artist pioneering a unique artistic style that bridged European modernism with African aesthetics.
Amílcar Cabral: The Agronomist Who Cultivated Revolution
Amílcar Cabral was an agricultural engineer, political organiser, one of Africa’s foremost anti-colonial leaders, and a nationalist revolutionary poet.
Famous Cape Verdean People
Cape Verde has produced a number of internationally recognised figures whose influence extends far beyond the islands. The most iconic is Cesária Évora, the “Barefoot Diva,” whose morna ballads brought Cape Verdean music to global prominence. Other important voices include Bana, often regarded as the “King of Morna,” and Mayra Andrade, a younger generation singer blending traditional sounds with contemporary influences.
In literature, Germano Almeida is widely celebrated for his novels depicting Cape Verdean society, including “The Last Will and Testament” of Senhor da Silva Araújo, which won him the Camões Prize.
On the political stage, Amílcar Cabral is remembered as a revolutionary leader who played a pivotal role in the struggle for independence of Cape Verde and Guinea-Bissau.
More recently, figures such as Nani (Luís Carlos Almeida da Cunha), the footballer who represented Portugal internationally, and Henrik Lopes, a rising artist and activist, have highlighted the strength of Cape Verde’s diaspora. Together, they represent the cultural richness and resilience of the archipelago.
Tchalé Figueira: Great Wanderer Who Painted His Way Home
In the world of Tchalé Figueira, the answer is always yes. Even disasters dance. Especially the disasters. That’s the joke, the tragedy, and the whole point.
Orlando Pantera: Great Musical Genius Who Died Too Soon
The story of Orlando Pantera serves as a tribute to an artist who never achieved stardom but remains a powerful symbol of Cape Verdean identity and culture.
Tcheka: Great Singer and Guitar Virtuoso from Cape Verde
Tcheka is a Cape Verdean singer, songwriter and guitarist, well known for his work in transposing the traditional genre batuque to the electro-acoustic guitar.
Bana: The Great “King of Morna” and Cultural Trailblazer
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Mayra Andrade: The Best Cosmopolitan Singer of Cape Verde
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The Most Famous Cape Verdean People by Field
From musical legends who brought the sounds of the islands to the world stage, to writers, leaders, athletes, scientists, and activists, Cape Verdeans …
Manuel António Martins: The Napoleon of Cabo Verde
An in-depth exploration of Manuel António Martins, the controversial figure who shaped the economic and political landscape of 19th-century Cabo Verde.
Meet Luna, The Girl Who Plays Golf on The Moon
Luna lives in Sal, Cabo Verde. She likes many sports, like surfing and snorkelling, but her favourite is golf. In this short documentary, she says…
The Great Gym Built From Rubbish by Alcindo (Video)
In the CNN’s Great Big Story Alcindo Soares says that he grew up in Cape Verde, dreaming of the day when he would become a professional athlete. Because – like many other Cape Verdeans – he had no money to go to an indoor gym, Alcindo improvised, using garbage washed up on the shores of Sal Island to build his exercise equipment. With his background in construction, he was able to assemble the outdoor gym with ease. Thanks to his astonishing work, many people can now enjoy training for free in one of the island’s most beautiful places – on the sandy beach, just a few steps from the ocean, with a chill breeze and sun over their heads. “The fact that a gym like this exists in Santa Maria no only for me, but for the people here, is very important,” Alcindo says.