CESÁRIA ÉVORA ORCHESTRA

15 years after her death, when speaking of Cape Verde, Cesária Évora remains the most referenced figure. An icon of morna and coladeira who brought Cape Verdean music to the greatest stages around the world. Cesária Évora Orchester is a project that transcends the idea of a band. It presents itself as the guardian of Cesária Évora’s memory, seeking above all to preserve, promote and keep her legacy alive. It stands out as one of the strongest initiatives in the preservation and promotion of Cape Verdean music and culture.

Ceuzany Pires, Elida Almeida, Lucibela and Teófilo Chantre are the voices that today travel the world in concert, performing on international stages and revisiting the greatest hits that marked the career of the Barefoot Diva, remaining faithful to the original work while bringing their own personal interpretations.

Ceuzany began her artistic career at the age of 12, winning several competitions and taking part in galas and festivals. In 2007, she performed in Santo Antão, where her vocal talents and stage presence attracted the attention of Arlindo Évora, author, composer and vocalist of Cordas do Sol, who immediately invited her to join the group.

In 2012, she released her first solo album, entitled “Nha Vida”, which attracted the public’s attention and interest thanks to her great potential. Her second album, “Ilha de Melodia”, was released three years later, in 2015. An album in which she reaffirmed her vocal power, revealing her whole soul. In 2023, the new single “Pedra Rún” was released, and that same year she toured Europe, taking part in several festivals with French artist Christophe Maé, with whom she collaborated and released “Pays des Merveilles”. Her latest album, “No Tchal Tê Li”, was released in 2025, addressing domestic violence with sensitivity and strength, transforming a harsh reality into an anthem of liberation and personal affirmation. It reinforces the importance of giving visibility to stories of survival and asserting the right to dignity.

Elida Almeida, born on the island of Santiago, perfected her vocal techniques through simple singing in church. With her debut album “Ora Doce Ora Margos” and the song “Nta Konsigui”, she established herself both in Cape Verde and abroad. “Djunta Kudjer”, released in 2017, is a mini-album and a true declaration of love for Cape Verdean music and its diversity. Also in 2017, she released “Kebrada”, named after the village where she spent her childhood. An intelligent blend of Latin energy with Cape Verdean rhythms: batuque, funaná, coladeira and tabanka.

“Gerasonobu” (2020): her fourth album established her as the muse of the new generation to which she belongs, with the mission of revealing to these “young shoots” the richness of Cape Verde’s cultural heritage. Celebrating 10 years of her career in 2023, she released “Di Lonji”, her first album on vinyl. An album that reflects all her gratitude towards her strong roots and the figures who guided her, whom she honours with infinite tenderness. “SPEDJU” arrives in 2026, establishing itself as an intimate and symbolic mirror that simultaneously reflects her relationship with recent motherhood and the gestation period, not only of a life, but also of an artistic body of work.

Lucibela was born in Tarrafal, on the island of São Nicolau, and from an early age began to show an interest in singing. She moved to São Vicente with her family, where she would develop the passion of her childhood. Upon entering secondary school, she naturally joined a local group called Mindel Som. Lucibela took part in the Sfinks Festival in Belgium and, in October and November 2017, recorded her first album in Lisbon, “Laço Umbilical”, produced by Toy Vieira. With “Amdjer”, released on June 3, 2022, Lucibela pays tribute to Cape Verdean women, but also to women in general. In 2024, she released “Moda Antiga”, an album that celebrates Cape Verde’s musical heritage, focusing on mornas and coladeiras, with the aim of keeping the essence of our culture alive.

Teófilo Chantre was born in 1964 on the island of São Nicolau, emigrated to France at the age of 14 and, at 17, began his musical journey. He became known in 1991, when producer José da Silva selected three of his compositions for Cesária Évora’s album “Miss Perfumado”. He became the main songwriter for Cesária Évora’s discography, not limiting himself to morna and coladeira, but also exploring other musical genres. He also composed songs for Nancy Vieira, Mariana Ramos, Dudu Araújo, Gardénia Benrós, among others.

It was only in 1993 that the singer began releasing albums under his own name, such as “TerraCretxeu” (1994), “Di Alma” (1997), “Rodatempo” (2000), “Live” (2002), “Azulando” (2004), “Viaja” (2007), “Mestissage” (2011) and “Emocionalmente” (2024), as well as numerous collaborations.