Full Review

Nancy Vieira, Gente Review

Nancy Vieira’s Gente is a evocative and soul-stirring musical homage to her Cape Verdean heritage and the interconnectedness of global cultures, brought to life by storytelling through song. Vieira, with her crystalline voice and profound artistry, invites us on a journey that traverses the vibrant landscapes of Cape Verde, the bustling streets of Lisbon, and the myriad musical traditions that have touched these shores.

Vieira, born amidst the nascent hopes of newly independent Cape Verde, carries within her the legacy of a nation steeped in the struggle for identity and freedom. Her father, a musician turned political figure, instilled in her a deep appreciation for the transformative power of music. It is this foundation that informs Gente, making it album grounded in resilience, community, and the enduring spirit of Cape Verdean culture.

Gente opens with “Sol Di Nha Vida,” a sun-drenched ode to the joys of Cape Verdean life. This track, with its fusion of funaná and samba rhythms, embodies the concept of “funamba,” a musical hybridity that speaks to the cross-cultural exchanges that have shaped Cape Verdean music. Mário Lúcio, the song’s composer, is a visionary artist whose work reflects the archipelago’s rich musical heritage and its dialogue with the wider world.

The collaboration with Remna Schwarz on “Singa” is another highlight, a melding of voices that bridges the gap between Cape Verde and West Africa. Schwarz, the son of legendary José Carlos Schwarz, brings his own unique timbre and perspective to the song, creating a tapestry of sound that is at once contemporary and deeply rooted in tradition.

The production of Gente, spearheaded by Vieira alongside a cadre of talented musicians and producers, is a testament to the collaborative spirit of music-making. Recorded in Lisbon, the album benefits from the contributions of an eclectic mix of artists, from Iuri Oliveira’s percussive genius to the string virtuosos Vaiss Dias and Olmo Marin. This collective endeavor highlights the shared humanity and artistic kinship that music can foster.

Beyond its musical innovations, Gente is a profound exploration of identity. Songs like “Amor” and “Fado Crioulo” delve into the complexities of love and belonging, weaving the personal with the universal. The latter, a fusion of fado and Cape Verdean musical elements, is a poignant reflection on the shared language of longing and nostalgia, featuring the collaborative voices of António Zambujo and Chullage.

Gente also serves as a historical document, preserving the musical traditions of Cape Verde even as it reimagines them for a new era. Tracks such as “Ta Cundum Cundum” and “Dona Morna” pay homage to the genre’s roots while pushing its boundaries, a balancing act that Vieira navigates with grace and aplomb.

In Nancy Vieira’s Gente, we have a love letter to Cape Verde and a celebration of the global community of music. It is a project that speaks to the power of art to transcend borders, to connect us across the divides of language, geography, and experience. That’s the short of it!