In the vibrant streets of Praia, the air recently carried more than just the Atlantic breeze; it carried a profound sense of liberation. From April 6 to 9, the city became the epicenter of a cultural convergence during the Atlantic Music Expo, an event that has evolved into a cornerstone of international music production. With nearly 30 free concerts, the festival transformed the urban landscape into a popular stage, drawing professionals and artists from across the globe, including performers from Congo, Senegal, and Italy.
At the heart of this celebration was a deeper mission: the apply of Cape Verdean music and social justice as tools for healing and truth. Amidst a global climate marked by conflict, the festival highlighted artists who view their craft not merely as entertainment, but as a necessity for human survival and dignity. Among the most poignant voices were those of Princezito and Juliata Cohen, two artists whose distinct identities merge in a shared struggle against injustice.
For these performers, the stage is a pulpit for honesty. Their presence in Praia underscores a growing movement where music serves as a “key” to soothe hearts and convey messages of peace. By blending traditional sounds with contemporary social critiques, the Atlantic Music Expo demonstrated that music remains one of the most effective vehicles for promoting a more honest and just world.
Atlantic Music Expo: A Crossroads of Global Sound
The Atlantic Music Expo is more than a series of performances; it is a strategic hub for the music industry in the region. By offering free concerts to the public, the event ensures that the dialogue regarding truth and freedom is accessible to all, regardless of socioeconomic status. The diversity of the lineup—spanning various African nations and European countries—reflects the cosmopolitan nature of Cape Verde and its role as a bridge between continents.
One such voice emerging from this intersection is Patche Di Rima, frequently described as the “spokesperson of the people.” Supported by the Bissau-Guinean community residing in Praia, Di Rima’s performances on the Rua Pedonal served as a testament to the immigrant experience and the solidarity found through shared rhythmic expression.
Princezito: Connecting the Earth and the Moon
Among the standout figures of the festival was Princezito, born Carlos Alberto Sousa Mendes. His artistic philosophy is rooted in a deep, spiritual connection to the natural world. Princezito describes his life as one lived in rhythm with nature, aiming to maintain a constant connection to “Mother Earth.”
This fascination with the cosmos is a recurring theme in his work, particularly his obsession with the moon. This poetic inclination was fostered in childhood by his grandmother, whom he calls “Minina.” Princezito recalls how his grandmother spoke to animals and plants, questioning why a flower would not bloom if it were given water daily. This upbringing led him to develop his own dialogue with nature, viewing his singing as a way to thank the universe.
His musical output reflects this celestial and earthly devotion. His song “Lua” (Moon), performed in Creole Capverdian, serves as a tribute to the lunar body and a love song to the moon. The track, which appears on his 2008 album Spiga, exemplifies his ability to blend personal spirituality with cultural identity. Lyrics for “Lua” illustrate this connection, calling upon the moon to cleanse the body and spirit.
Juliata Cohen: Music as a Bridge Across Borders
While Princezito’s inspiration is rooted in the soil and sky of his home, Juliata Cohen brings a global perspective to the Cape Verdean music scene. Born in France with roots in North Africa, Cohen’s journey has been one of nomadic exploration. She has spent significant time in Mali and Burkina Faso before eventually making Cape Verde her second home.
Cohen views her music through the lens of global humanitarianism. In an era defined by systemic wars and instability, she believes that music possesses a unique power to bypass political barriers and reach the human heart. For Cohen, the act of singing is a strategic tool—a “key” used to pass urgent messages and provide comfort to those suffering from the chaos of modern conflict.
Her presence in Praia is not merely as a visiting artist but as a resident contributor to the local culture. By integrating her North African heritage and French origins with the sounds of Cape Verde, she embodies the very essence of the Atlantic Music Expo: the belief that artistic exchange can foster a more empathetic global society.
A Shared Vision for a Just World
Despite their different backgrounds—one a local poet of nature and the other a global wanderer—Princezito and Juliata Cohen are united by a common ideological struggle. Both artists utilize their platforms to denounce injustices and advocate for a world governed by honesty and equity.
This shared commitment transforms their music from aesthetic expression into a form of activism. In the context of the Atlantic Music Expo, their collaboration and individual performances served as a reminder that the “wind of truth” is often carried by those who are brave enough to sing about the things that matter most. By focusing on the human spirit and the natural world, they offer an alternative to the divisive rhetoric of politics, suggesting that the path to freedom begins with a shared song.
Key Takeaways from the Atlantic Music Expo
- Cultural Diversity: The event featured a wide array of artists from Cape Verde, Congo, Senegal, and Italy, emphasizing international collaboration.
- Accessibility: Nearly 30 concerts were provided free of charge, ensuring the music reached the general population of Praia.
- Art as Activism: Artists like Juliata Cohen and Princezito used the event to highlight the role of music in fighting social injustice and promoting peace.
- Nature and Spirituality: Princezito’s work highlights the importance of ecological connection and ancestral wisdom in modern songwriting.
As the echoes of the Atlantic Music Expo fade, the impact of these performances remains. The event has once again solidified Praia’s position as a vital hub for music production and social dialogue in Africa. There are currently no further dates announced for the 2026 series, but the ongoing collaborations between local and international artists suggest a continuing movement toward musical liberation in the region.
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