Cremilda Medina Releases ‘Lágrima’: Saving Cape Verde’s Music
Cape Verdean vocalist Cremilda Medina has released her third studio album, Lágrima (Tear), a 13-track tribute to the traditional morna rhythms that define her nation’s soul. In an interview with Lusa, Medina described the project as a deeply personal journey through “sadness, longing, and love,” aimed at reviving the classics of Cape Verdean musical history.
“This album is very sentimental and carries a lot of emotion, hence the name Lágrima,” Medina explained. “I wanted listeners to travel with me through the feelings that characterize our people. These are songs that speak of farewells, nostalgia, and the profound sense of longing we call sodade.”
Guardians of the Tradition
The album features high-profile collaborations with legendary Cape Verdean voices, including Nancy Vieira, Ana Firmino, and Maria Alice. Medina noted that these artists have spent decades carrying the joy and sorrow of Cape Verde to stages across the globe.
What began as a modest project funded by a grant from the Ministry of Culture and Creative Industries—originally intended for just two tracks—evolved into a comprehensive 13-song anthology. Medina spent years researching lyrics and compositions, digging into the archives to find both celebrated masterpieces and forgotten gems from authors like B. Léza, Manuel de Novas, and Frank Amador.
One notable highlight is Medina’s interpretation of “Miss Perfumado,” a composition nearly 90 years old that was famously popularized by the “Barefoot Diva,” Cesária Évora. “I wanted to revive these compositions in the collective memory of the Cape Verdean people,” Medina said.
Identity vs. Tourism
While the morna is recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, Medina warns against the genre becoming a mere attraction for visitors. “I hope it doesn’t become just a tourist product,” she cautioned. “A people’s identity can never be interpreted as a tourist product.”
The singer is calling for more robust investment in musical education, intergenerational exchanges, and increased airplay for traditional genres like morna and coladeira in the media. She believes the survival of Cape Verde’s cultural essence depends on the “new generation of composers and performers” remaining connected to their roots.
The “Voice of Morna”
Hailing from Mindelo on the island of São Vicente, Medina has earned the title “the voice of morna” for her commitment to an authentic, acoustic sound. Having started her career at age nine, she has consistently drawn inspiration from legends like Bana and Paulino Vieira to ensure the heartbeat of Cape Verdean music remains steady in the modern era.
Image: Pexels – damien Saillet
