The horseshoe-shaped collection of islands that make up Cabo Verde is full of surprises.
A country of about half a million people captured the world’s attention this year with a remarkable FIFA World Cup run, even making Lionel Messi and Argentina work for it.
Lucibela is another hidden powerhouse.
How can a country so small — ranking among the world’s least populous nations — produce such a huge and polished voice for a global audience?
Lucibela, who has been singing professionally for most of her adult life, immerses listeners in Morna, the national music of Cabo Verde. On Oct. 20, she returns to the Dakota stage in Minneapolis.
Lucibela grew up listening to the country’s most famous musician, Cesária Évora, known as the “Barefoot Diva.” Évora’s drive to introduce the world to Morna is a passion Lucibela shares.
Weeks after Lucibela performed at the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage in 2019, UNESCO inscribed Morna on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, recognizing the music as a cultural tradition of global significance.
Morna evokes melancholy through the stories that shape it. The music is deeply rooted in sodade — a profound, nostalgic longing for what has been lost, a yearning for what may never return: a love, a country or a culture.
Another surprise from the 40-year-old singer: Lucibela brings a joie de vivre and unmistakable verve to the stage, all while haunting audiences with the rich sounds of her country.
Lucibela performs Oct. 20 at the Dakota in Minneapolis. Tickets are available through the Dakota at this link.
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About Susan Budig
Susan is based in Minneapolis and reports on general assignments for Mshale with a focus on entertainment. In addition to reporting, she is also a writer, poet, teacher and coach.
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